Mike Parr
Untitled self portrait No. 4: from a series of six
(1989)
107.0 x 78.0cm
drypoint etching on paper, edition 5/8
Gift of the artist and Veridian Press 2005
Conversations with the Collection
Mike Parr and Minkhy Le
MIKE PARR
Newcastle Region Art Gallery collection
Mike Parr has produced over 1000 works within the context of his self-imposed ‘Self-Portrait’ series, in a range of media that includes performance, installation, sculpture, drawing, etching and photography. In 2005, Newcastle Region Art Gallery held the survey exhibition, ‘CUT YOUR THROAT AN INCH AT A TIME: A Survey of the Works of Mike Parr 1970-2005’, at this time the etching, Untitled self-portrait No. 4: from a series of six 1989, was donated to the Gallery by Parr. Parr practice is influenced by his extensive reading of psychoanalytic theory evident in his demanding self-analysis included his work.
MINKHY LE
Injury – before and after
drawing
Canley Vale High School
My artwork evolved from the theme of identity and self-expression. My initial frustration at having a broken collarbone and a non-functioning drawing hand, was an emotional experience: learning to use my other hand led me through a journey of self-discovery in which I developed an intuitive drawing style that I found very exciting. Later in the healing process I was able to draw using both hands simultaneously, helping me realise that my hands are merely tools for my mind.
Resources
ARTEXPRESS ED KIT_Parr-Le (3.2 MB pdf)