Historical information

Mike Brown is known for his bold use of colour and graffiti-like imagery. Charles Nodrum Gallery describe Brown as ‘a unique leader of alternative avant guard art in Australia, and a true bohemian eccentric. An artistic anarchist and polemicist, during his 30-year career he waged an unwavering war on art world conventions and sensibilities, critiquing mass culture, consumerism, sex, advertising, censorship, and embracing counterculture, alternative lifestyles and socialism.’

This tapestry was produced by the Victorian Tapestry Workshop Melbourne (now known as the Australian Tapestry Workshop) in South Melbourne, based on an original painting by Mike Brown. We have exhibited the weaving and painting together to provide a comparison of how artwork is translated into tapestry. The large area of dark blue at the centre top of the tapestry demonstrates how the weavers have used colour changes in the yarn to depict the painterly shading in the original painting.

The Australian Tapestry Workshop (ATW) is an international leader in contemporary tapestry, collaborating with a diverse range of international and Australian artists to produce exceptional handwoven works of art. Established in 1976, ATW have created over 500 tapestries in creative collaborations for nearly 50 years, promoting innovation and excellence in tapestry weaving and textile art.