Antony Micallef

Born in Swindon, England and a graduate in Fine Arts from the University of Plymouth, some of Micallef's work illustrates many contemporary cultural aspects and connects them with the human experience. His use of neutral colors and depictions of the human form in a Bacon like manner in his paintings delve beyond pop culture and bring to the surface many of the things that operate underneath the cultural construct. His mark making reflects the teachings of his tutor John Virtue who in turn was taught by Frank Auerbach. The London expressionist school of painting had clearly been passed on.

His extensive use of popular culture icons and corporate logos depicted along with the human form bring a very special style to his paintings. A visit to Japan in 1999 marked the beginning of his contemporary style and fascination with cultural icons and motifs and their relation to society and the individual. He was the winner of the second prize of the BP/Amoco Portrait award 2000 at the National Portrait Gallery,London.

• antonymicallef.com (must see)