20 August 2018
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Charles Blackman OBE.
Mr Blackman, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, was a great Australian artist whose unique vision and imagination have created some of the nation’s most iconic images.
Born in Sydney in 1928 and later working from Melbourne, his prodigious talent for draughtsmanship led to an early career as a press artist, an international career in London, and his famous and much loved Alice in Wonderland painting series.
A contemporary of Arthur Boyd and John Brack, Blackman was part of the Antipodeans movement which explored the human figure and condition over abstract expressionism.
With his art held in major Australian public institutions, Charles Blackman leaves behind a legacy of lyrical and narrative works that continue to enrich the Australian story.
My thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues.