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Solo & Group Exhibitions | Commissions | Album Art | Artist's Statement

The distinctive colour palette of vibrant reds, warm oranges, vivid yellows and translucent creamy pink flesh tones set against romantic pale sky blues and turquoise sea tones is reminiscent of Sidney Nolan's desert-scapes of the 40's and 50's.

The tense drama and iconic representation of the imagery and motifs in the artist's life has a definite throwback to many, including such Australian legends as Peter Booth. The impact and wide-ranging influence of such greats as Dali, Mondrian, Gleeson and even Jeffrey Smart are apparent..

Who is this engaging, shocking and delighting us so cleverly? Ladies and gentlemen feast your eyes on the inspiring talents of Anthony Jigalin (pronounced "jzig-ah-lin").

Born in Australia to Russian parents young Anthony experienced a turbulent life: he was forced, from an early age, to contend with mental illness and criminality and their insidious impact on the tender psyche of a child. He attended over 17 schools around the country. A traumatic adolescence lead to many a misadventure on the seamier side of life. "I ended up having a complete breakdown when I was 18" says Anthony, his candour and honesty is simultaneously confronting and charming!

As well as an obvious talent and skill for using oils to create mesmerisingly detailed works - that are imbued with a strong mentality and inescapably laden with his take on the political issues which impact on the personal lives of his subjects – Anthony has a resilient sense of humour which will timelessly inspire a wry smile and a chuckle. One is able to see clearly in many of the works the spirit of a true survivor. As such, the work though sometimes dark and confronting in subject, are actually uplifting and engaging in effect. The superb titles of his wonderful paintings lend weight to the power of his punch but also add to the tickle of his brush: "Forty Foot Tall – You're Gonna Be A Target" and "Killing's OK If You're On The Winning Team" are prime examples.

"I think if I wasn't a painter I'd be a serial killer. All I have is this art. I try not to paint my torment. I want people to come home and see one of my paintings and be warmed up. When I die I want my paintings to be remembered. I want my palette to be remembered" he blurts out with typical fervour. Having shown his work extremely successfully up and down the east coast of Australia in over 22 solo shows since 1993, from Melbourne to Sydney to Noosa, the extremely collectable Anthony Jigalin might find that his desires will indeed be realised! Don't miss your chance to secure one while you can.

artist STATEMENT

love color and shape. I am influenced by television, magazines, insects and people’s class systems.

Although not religious I do believe in the push and pull of the universe, just like Yin and Yang, good and evil.

my palette is inspired by the colors of the sun I’m interested in society’s fascination with violence and perceived beauty.

i have an issue with trust, cos i know people really don’t give a shit.

my new motto is; you win i win.