Evan Salmon b. 1971

Evan Salmon was born in Sydney, Australia, in 1971. After completing a Diploma of Fine Arts at East Sydney Technical College (now the National Art School) in 1991, he worked as studio assistant to the sculptor Robert Klippel from 1996-1998 before earning his MFA at UNSW in 2002. Since 1991, he has exhibited regularly in Australia, including 28 solo exhibitions in Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Salmon’s practice began with paintings of abstracted aeroplanes which evolved into large collage abstractions. These developed into zinc plate etchings of playfully menacing fighter planes and vintage cars. In 2010, he began practising still life paintings of domestic items. Then, following his move to Port Kembla in 2011, Salmon turned his attention to the surrounding industrial landscape, working en plein air to capture the steelworks and enormous ships of the area. These paintings depict the industrial environment with a monumental yet immediate presence. His recent return to still life sees him apply this same painterly precision to the close at hand.

Salmon’s works are held in numerous public collections, including the National Gallery of Australia and ArtBank. Salmon currently lives in Illawarra and lectures in drawing at the National Art School.