JULIAN MEAGHER JOINS METRO GALLERY

Metro Gallery is proud to announce that Julian Meagher has joined its stable of artists. Meagher, a Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery graduate, abandoned his medical career six years ago in pursuit of the arts – a career that has proved successful for Meagher, who, at just 34 years of age, is considered one of Australia’s greatest contemporary artists.

Meagher was recently exhibited at Metro Gallery as a finalist in the 2012 Metro Gallery Art Award with the above work, ‘For Prime Minister’, oil on linen, 138 x 138 cm, POA. The artist’s work has featured in the award since 2009.

Doug Moran Finalist 2012: Julian Meagher, ‘Guy Maestri’, oil on linen, 180 x 150 cm

2012 has been a year of successes for Meagher, who was listed as a finalist in the 2012 Doug Moran Prize with the above portrait, ‘Guy Maestri’. He has also been announced as a recipient of the 2012 Australia Council New Work Early Career Grant, and will by exhibiting at the Australian High Commission in Singapore in November 2012.

Metro Art Award Finalist 2011, Julian Meagher, 'Strong men also cry II', 2011, oil on linen, 120 x 120cm

Recent prize exhibitions also include the 2010 Black Swan Prize of Portraiture and the 2009 Blake Prize for Religious Art. He was also selected to be exhibited in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 National Trust of Australia ‘Salon des Refuses’.  Meagher has exhibited in a number of international art fairs, including Scope Miami and the Shanghai Art Fair. His work will be exhibited at the current Melbourne Art Fair August 1 – 5 with Chalk Horse Gallery.

His works are featured in significant collections, include Artbank, St. Paul’s College and St. John’s College at Sydney University, St. Vincent’s Private Hospital in Sydney, as well as private collections in Melbourne, Sydney, Paris and Hong Kong.

‘Julian Meagher’, Macmillian Mini-Art Series Book, written by Ken McGregor

Meagher’s current series focuses on the orchid, and its role in the traditional aphrodisical drink – where orchid bulbs were ground down, diluted, and drunk by men. The beauty of the orchid, and hints of its traditional use, is depicted in Meagher’s ‘male still lives’. The artist’s repeated statement that ‘real men wear pink’ is also linked to the delicate, watercolour-like appearance of his oil paints.

Julian Meagher will exhibit his first solo show at Metro Gallery in September 2013.

To request images of his new works as they arrive in the gallery, and to be notified regarding his upcoming show, please join his pre-sale list    PH: (03) 9500 8511     E: alex@metrogallery.com.au