Michael Whitehead
Michael Whitehead: A Journey of Abstract Expression
In the realm of contemporary abstract art, few artists capture the essence of creativity and exploration as profoundly as Australian painter Michael Whitehead. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Whitehead has solidified his place among the vanguard of abstract expressionism. His compelling journey from the heart of northern Victoria to his current studio in the idyllic hinterland of Noosa, Queensland, has forged a distinctive artistic voice that resonates with viewers around the world.
Whitehead’s trajectory as an artist was clear from a young age. A native of northern Victoria, he recognized his innate need to paint, embarking on a journey of self-discovery that has spanned nearly five decades. His early artistic endeavors led him to the Bendigo Institute of Technology, where he honed his skills in Graphic Design, setting the stage for a dynamic career that would later fuse his graphic sensibilities with a rich and textured painterly approach.
The artist’s evolution took a pivotal turn during his employment at a distinguished South Melbourne design studio. There, he found himself immersed in a creative milieu that garnered acclaim not only across Australia but also on the global stage. This formative experience nurtured Whitehead’s artistic aspirations and exposed him to the multifaceted world of design and its power to communicate ideas.
Yet, it was Whitehead’s globetrotting adventures that would truly shape his artistic vision. His travels to the USA, Mexico, South East Asia, and Eastern Europe infused his work with a rich tapestry of influences, culminating in a resounding call to explore and push artistic boundaries. The winter chill of Eastern Europe’s ancient walled cities, transformed into vibrant epicenters of culture and life, ignited a newfound fervor within the artist. This pivotal moment unleashed a torrent of creative energy, driving him to seek broader horizons in his artistic expression.
Whitehead’s oeuvre is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft. Nestled within the tranquil surroundings of Noosa’s hinterland, his studio serves as a crucible for the creation of mesmerizing abstract works. Each canvas becomes a playground of experimentation, where layers of oil and acrylic paint engage in a dance of tension and harmony. His adept use of color, texture, and composition forms a visual language that speaks of both urgency and precision.
The artist’s philosophy is rooted in the idea that a painting must embody its own journey—a philosophy that is evident in every brushstroke. Every mark on the canvas is imbued with intention, leaving behind a visible map of its creation. Whitehead’s creations are an embodiment of vulnerability, exposing their inner workings and inviting viewers to decode the intricacies of their construction.
Whitehead’s artistic trajectory has led him to become a stalwart presence in galleries across Australia’s major cities. His works find a place of honor within private and corporate collections across the globe, a testament to their universal resonance. Collectors are drawn not only to the captivating aesthetics but also to the narrative complexity that each piece encapsulates. As time and familiarity intertwine with the art, new layers of meaning unfurl, deepening the connection between the viewer and the artist’s creative odyssey.
In the realm of contemporary abstract art, Michael Whitehead stands as a luminary, an artist whose journey from northern Victoria to the Sunshine Coast has woven a tapestry of exploration, innovation, and profound expression. His canvases are more than visual spectacles; they are testaments to a life dedicated to pushing the boundaries of creativity, inviting us all to embark on our own voyages of artistic discovery.
Time Being, 2024
Synthetic polymer paint On canvas 153 x 153 cm Signed, Titled and Dated Verso
In Time, 2024
Synthetic polymer paint On canvas 153 x 153 cm Signed, Titled and Dated Verso
Mood For A Day, 2024
Synthetic Polymer paint On Canvas 170 x 250 cm Signed Lower Right, Titled Verso
Your Move, 2024
Synthetic Polymer paint On Canvas 170 x 250 cm Signed Lower Right, Titled Verso
Release III, 2022
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 76 x 76 cm Signed Lower right, Titled and Dated Verso
Interval II, 2022
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 76 x 76 cm Signed Lower right, Titled and Dated Verso
Interval IV, 2022
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 76 x 76 cm Signed Lower right, Titled and Dated Verso
Interval VI, 2022
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 76 x 76 cm Signed Lower right, Titled and Dated Verso
Sanctuary, 2024
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 153 x 153 cm Signed, Dated and Titled Lower Right
Unlimited, 2024
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 152 x 152 cm Signed Lower Right, Titled Verso
Absolute, 2024
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 152 x 152 cm Signed Lower Right, Titled Verso
Small Hours, 2023
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 170 x 250 cm Signed Lower Right, Titled Verso
Here Comes The Night, 2023
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 170 x 250 cm Signed Lower Right, Titled Verso
Compulsion, 2023
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 153 x 153 cm Signed Lower Right, Dated and Titled Verso
Hypothesis , 2023
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 153 x 182 cm Signed Lower Right, Dated and Titled Verso
Obsession, 2023
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 153 x 153 cm Signed Lower Right, Dated and Titled Verso
Expectation 3, 2023
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 80 x 180 cm Signed Lower Right, Dated and Titled Verso
Expectation 2, 2023
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 80 x 180 cm Signed Lower Right, Dated and Titled Verso
Expectation 1, 2023
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 80 x 180 cm Signed Lower Right, Dated and Titled Verso
Fervor, 2023
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 153 x 183 cm Signed lower Right, Dated and Titled Verso
Cause and Effect, 2023
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 153 x 153 cm Signed, Dated and Titled Verso
Desired Effect, 2023
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 153 x 153 cm Signed, Dated and Titled Verso
Milesaway, 2020
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 153 x 122 cm Signed, Dated and Titled Verso
Milesago, 2020
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 153 x 122 cm Signed, Dated and Titled Verso
Occasionally Always, 2022
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 101 x 203 cm Signed Lower Right, Titled Verso
Almost Always, 2022
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 153 x 122 cm Signed Lower Right, Titled Verso
Expectation, 2022
Acrylic On Canvas 101.5 x 203 cm Signed Lower Right, Titled and Dated Verso
Elsewhere, 2022
Acrylic On Canvas 101.5 x 203 cm Signed Lower Right, Titled and Dated Verso
Genre, 2021
Synthetic Polymer Paint On Canvas 140 x 100 cm Signed Lower Right, Titled Verso
Acceptance, 2019
Mixed Media On Canvas 102 x 203 cm Signed Lower Right, Dated and Titled Verso
River Road, 2014
Mixed Media On Canvas 100 x 200 cm Signed Lower Left, Dated and Titled Verso