Antony Micallef was born in Swindon, England in 1975 and graduated in Fine Arts from the University of Plymouth. He was notably taught by the austere landscape painter John Virtue, who was taught by the postwar painter Frank Auerbach.
Read MoreDescribed as a modern Expressionist and widely recognised as one of the finest painters in contemporary art today, Micallef roots his work in social commentary and self-examination. His latest series, Self, consists of introspective self-portraits that also explore the artist’s relationship with paint. Through mark-making and applying layer upon layer of paint on the canvas, Micallef engages in self-analytical dialogue. This series is a departure from Micallef’s past works, which embraced a colourful critical pop language and depicted scenes of hedonistic excess mixed with spiritual iconography.
His major solo exhibitions include Self (2015), Lazarides Rathbone, London, UK; Impure Idols (2007), Lazarides, Hollywood, California, USA; Antony Micallef (2006), Eyestorm, Milan, Italy; and a show at the National Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia, Bulgaria (2005).
Micallef also has work in collections all over the world and has exhibited in group shows in institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery (2000), Royal Academy (2008), Tate Britain (2010), and the ICA London (2012). He took second prize in the BP Portrait Award competition in 2000.
