JON CATTAPAN
b. 1956, AustraliaJon Cattapan’s detailed and atmospheric works deal primarily with ways of representing urban landscapes and narratives. His practice is based in the traditional mediums of painting and draw- ing, with much of his work being underpinned by explorations of how the human form can be visualised through different stylistic means, from figuration to abstraction. Within his saturat- ed, layered vistas and figurative groupings we see influences of contemporary global culture and recent history, that range from science fiction and film, through to the representations of conflict and urban social debates.
Cattapan is one of Australia’s most established and highly-respected artists, having been awarded some of the country’s top accolades for achievements in visual art, including the prestigious Bul- gari Art Award in 2013. Since the beginning of his career in 1978, he has presented over sixty solo exhibitions and his works are represented in most Australian state and territory collections. In 2006, he was honoured with a major retrospective, The Drowned World: Jon Cattapan works and collaborations, at the Ian Potter Museum of Art, University of Melbourne. In 2008 Cattapan took up a commission through the Australian War Memorial as Australia’s 63rd Official War Artist, and was deployed to Timor Leste, where he explored Night Vision technology as an aesthetic tool, which continues to inform his work.
Courtesy STATION
Works at STATION
Explore and Follow Artists Shaping Contemporary Art
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services