Garry Shead Biography

Garry Shead (b. 1942) was born in Sydney and studied at the National Art School, where he developed the foundations of a career that would establish him as one of Australia’s most distinctive figurative painters. Beginning his artistic journey in the 1960s, Shead worked as a filmmaker, cartoonist, and scenic artist with the ABC while also co-founding the influential Ubu Films collective. Extensive travels through Papua New Guinea, Japan, and Europe enriched his artistic vision, leading to a career spanning more than six decades. His achievements include winning the Archibald Prize in 1993 and the Dobell Prize in 2004, with works held in every major Australian public gallery and numerous international collections.

Through bold experimentation with narrative, symbolism, and expressive figuration, Shead creates richly layered paintings that blend history, literature, mythology, and personal memory. Working across painting, printmaking, ceramics, and film, he is renowned for celebrated series including D.H. Lawrence, The Royal Suite, and The Artist and the Muse, each distinguished by lyrical compositions, luminous colour, and emotional depth. His evocative use of symbolism and storytelling continues to captivate audiences, securing his reputation as one of Australia's most important contemporary figurative artists.