Join Max Germanos and Jasper Knight for an informal discussion on the life, times and legacy of Adam Cullen, hosted by MAG&M’s Senior Curator Katherine Roberts.

Adam Cullen

Adam Cullen (1965-2012) was one of the most important Australian artists of his generation. Emerging from Sydney's grunge art scene in the 1990s and best known for his bold and challenging paintings, Cullen and controversy courted each other. In this retrospective of Adam Cullen’s career, over 70 rarely seen paintings, works on paper, bronzes, film, and artist books have been drawn from private collections to provide insight into this complex and colourful artist.

The artist’s unique visual language encapsulates insightful yet confronting views of Australian contemporary society. The works revolve around issues of national and gendered identity, addressing racial intolerance, bigotry, sexism, and political and social hypocrisies. Just over ten years since Adam Cullen’s death, this exhibition is an opportunity to reflect on the artist’s extraordinary body of work and his influence and legacy.

Adam Cullen grew up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. In 2000, he won the Archibald Prize with a portrait of actor David Wenham. In 2002, he represented Australia at the 25th Biennale de São Paulo, and in 2008, a major survey exhibition of his work, Adam Cullen: let’s get lost, was held at the Art Gallery of NSW.

Speakers

Jasper Knight

Jasper Knight is one of Australia’s most successful and highly regarded contemporary painters and a celebrated presence in the Australian art scene. He is an eight-time finalist in the Archibald Prize, most recently in 2022, a three-time finalist of the Sulman and Wynne Prizes, and has appeared in the Mosman Art Prize four times, including a win in 2008. His work is represented in major national and international collections including the National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, Australian Consulate (Manila, Philippines) and the Australian Consulate (Singapore).

Max Germanos

Corporate finance executive, Max Germanos is the founder of 3:33 ART PROJECTS which delivers unique exhibition experiences with leading visual artists. Its aim is to create innovative alternatives to traditional gallery exhibitions whilst introducing artists to new audiences. The project also runs a Young Curators program, working with artists and students to host exhibitions at their school - teaching future generations about the importance of creativity. Max developed this exhibition with the support of the Adam Cullen Estate.

Image detail: Adam Cullen (1965-2012), Kelly with Mare (Kildare), 2011, acrylic on canvas, 183 x 152cm. The Germanos Collection, Sydney