The character of the ‘Splotcher’ recurs throughout Tim Storrier’s oeuvre, perhaps as a stand-in for the artist. Here he barrels forward, paintbrush outstretched like a lamp to guide him through the dark, wearing a conical ‘dunce’ hat, goggles and a scarf over his mouth. The Splotcher is a guileless yet determined adventurer.

In 2012 Storrier won the prestigious Archibald Prize for a ‘faceless’ self-portrait inspired by Hieryonmous Bosch’s ‘The Wayfarer’, not dissimilar from the ‘Splotcher’. ‘The Wayfarer’ too was anonymous, saddled with objects that in the absence of a face became details of a person. To whimsical and thought-provoking ends, Storrier is a true symbolist.

‘Splotcher – Idiot’ is a maquette, or study for a larger sculpture. It is limited to an edition of 30, cast in bronze and signed by the artist, an artful conqueror of your desk, hero in your collection of important Australian art or delightful domestic companion, a reminder to persist no matter how ridiculous you may feel.

Storrier represents one of Australia’s most collectable and esteemed artists. He has been awarded the Archibald Prize and the Sulman Prize twice, and is represented across public collections including at the National Gallery of Australia and Metropolitan Museum of art.

Tim STORRIER (1949 - )
'Splotcher - Idiot (Maquette)' 2022
Bronze sculpture
Edition of 30
Dimensions: 38 x 14 x 23 cm
Signed: Signed and editioned to base
 
Condition: Excellent
 
(c) Tim Storrier / Copyright Agency