Michael Leunig

The celebrated cartoonist, philosopher, poet and artist, Michael Leunig, is a ‘National Living Treasure’ and cultural icon in his native Australia. His commentary on political, cultural and emotional life spans thirty-five years and has built up a dedicated following of fans throughout the world, drawn to the profound simplicity of his work.

With disarming honesty and heroic vulnerability, Leunig gives voice to the deep-seated fear and darkness that trouble every conscious soul, illustrating the delicate tensions between joy and despair, love and fear, absurdity and meaning. Just as day moves into night, it is moments of ‘transference’ — of ‘fading and emerging, foreboding and revelation’ — that interest the artist most. His work can be at the same time both whimsical and touching, hilarious and desperately sad.

A gentle, thoughtful and soulful creator, Leunig’s gift is in making the commonplace uncommon.