Biography

Euan Macleod is an Australian artist of New Zealand origin born in 1956 in Christchurch, the main city on the South Island of New Zealand. He obtained a certificate in graphic design at the Christchurch Technical Institute between 1974 and 1975 and a diploma in Fine Art (painting) at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, from 1977 to 1979. He moved and settled in Sydney in 1981. He opened his first solo exhibition in 1982 in Sydney.

Macleod's work focuses on the natural landscape and the human presence in its environment. The dense, textured and sculptural use of paint has become a constant feature of his work. Many of his landscapes are not specifically Australian or New Zealand, but composite, further enhancing their psychological impact. His expressive style lends itself to simple but powerful compositions, his muted palette imbuing the works with rich symbolism and atmosphere. His use of color has developed in recent decades, with many works depicting the ochres and purples of the Australian desert.

Macleod works mainly in the studio but has spent a lot of time working outdoors, most recently in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia and Antarctica. Macleod works mainly in oils but has produced many works on paper, including drawings and artist's prints.

These works present a shift in landscape but a continuation of the artist’s themes and symbols. Macleod has been the recipient of many prestigious awards such as the 1999 Archibald Prize, the 2001 Sulman Prize, the 2006 Blake Prize and most recently the 2009 Gallipoli Art Prize. His works are held in many public and private collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra; National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne; the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Saatchi & Saatchi, Wellington, New Zealand and Allen Allen & Hemsley, Sydney.

Collections publiques: • Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA • National Gallery of Australia, Canberra • National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne • Heide Museum of Modern Art, Melbourne • Saatchi & Saatchi, Nouvelle-Zélande • Australian Museum, Canberra • Museum of New-Zeland, Christchurch, etc.