Mike Parr
(b. 1945, Eora/Sydney)
is widely regarded as one of Australia's most pre-eminent artists. Since staging his first solo exhibition in 1970, Parr has developed a distinctive practice spanning performance, printmaking, painting, sculpture, and installation for more than 40 years. His work is characterised by its cathartic intensity, emerging from personally demanding processes that explore the limits of language and the body. Central to his practice is the extensive "Self-Portrait" series, encompassing over 1,000 works across multiple media.
Parr’s upcoming exhibition at SYRUP has two stages:
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TURNING A BLIND EYE
Opens 6 Sep 2025 — 6pm
a three hour blind painting performance, accompanied by a an expansive photowork / text installation.
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HUMAN ANIMALS
Opens 27 Sep 2025
an exhibition of 30 drawings and 24 etchings that investigate Mike’s struggle with the memory of his brother Tim (now deceased) and their relationship.
Gulping Air [Towards a Blind Self-Portrait], 2024, Drawing, 1275mm high x 2322mm wide. Photograph Zan Wimberley