"Echoes of Dissent: Navigating Anthony White's Artistic Journey"

Born in 1976 in Sydney, Anthony White's artistic journey has taken him from the vibrant landscapes of Australia to the streets of Paris, where he currently resides and works. Across his multidisciplinary practice spanning drawing, painting, and collage, White deftly weaves together elements of landscape and architecture, crafting pieces that resonate with both historical depth and contemporary relevance.

One central theme in his practice is memory,both on a personal and national level,how is national memory filtered through personal identity and how are these intertwined? How can we look at social issues to question the validity of the predominant national narrative. How do nations create dialogues of their own authorship and include exclusionary narratives? For the artist it’s important to ask questions about where we came from and where we are going.  Drawing inspiration from multiple artistic traditions,such as Western European Modernism, White's oeuvre reflects a keen awareness of surface and texture, often incorporating found objects to his pieces  which predominantly have tactile characteristics.

Following on from this idea White's artistic philosophy is the notion that: dissent can be a catalyst for social change by challenging that “national memory”.His series such as "Pentimento" and "As The Sleeper Wakes" delve into the complexities of public communication and the evolution of dissent in contemporary society. Through his collages of salvaged Paris metro subway advertisements, White gives voice to the individual expressions of dissent, highlighting their resonance within broader social contexts.

White's extensive exhibition history, which spans cities from Sydney,Paris, London to Hong Kong, underscores the international acclaim his work has attracted. His commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and reflecting on urgent global issues has earned him prestigious commissions, residencies, and accolades throughout his career.

In his latest exhibition, "Manifestation," presented at Lennox St. Gallery, White embarks on an exploration of dissent through the lens of Sidney Nolan's iconic Eureka Stockade mural. Researching the historical events of the 1854 Eureka Rebellion, White's paintings serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of civil disobedience. Through his meticulous attention to detail and masterful use of color, White invites viewers to reflect on the parallels between past uprisings and contemporary movements for social change.

As an artist deeply attuned to the political and social currents of our time, Anthony White's work serves as a timely reminder of art's capacity to provoke thought, inspire action, and bear witness to the complexities of the human experience. Through his unwavering commitment to reclaiming the act of dissent, White continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, inviting audiences to engage with relevant issues of our time and envision a more just and equitable future.

White's artistic impact extends far beyond Australian gallery walls, with his work being widely exhibited in France,England, Latvia and Asia. Recent solo exhibitions include the most significant  presentation of the artist's work to date in Europe  "Mobilising Material" at The Mark Rothko Museum Latvia in 2023. Other notable solo exhibitions such as "The Curious Eye Never Runs Dry" was the inaugural exhibition of Informality Gallery in Henley-on-Thames, U.K. and "Signs of Civilisation" and "Crossing the Rubicon" at Nanda Hobbs Contemporary in Sydney have not only captivated audiences with their creative complexity but also their commercial success.

His significant longevity in the artworld signifies a major contribution to Australian art prizes, including The Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship, The Elioth Gruner Prize, The John Glover Art Prize, and The Churchie Emerging Art Award, which cemented his status as a leading figure in the contemporary art scene.

White's artistic endeavors have been further enriched by prestigious residencies and awards, underscoring his commitment to artistic excellence and restless exploration. From Leipzig International Art programme Germany  to The Vermont Studio Centre Residency in the USA to The National Art School Paris Studio Award at La Cite Internationale Des Arts, White's residencies have provided fertile ground for creative inspiration and collaboration. Supported by esteemed cultural agencies such as The National Association for the Visual Arts and The Centre National des Arts Plastiques (CNAP), White's work has found a home in public and private collections around the world, including esteemed institutions like the Mark Rothko Museum in Latvia and Soho House London and the South East Centre for Contemporary Art  (SECCA) in Bega NSW.