ADAM NORTON

David Griggs, outta space, 2018, synthetic polymer on linen, 157 x 126 cm, framed

Finalist, The Archibald Prize, 2019, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney

‘David Griggs is a brave and challenging artist. His paintings are a visceral reflection of his thoughts and feelings,’ says Adam Norton. ‘His practice is very different from mine. I often mask the hand of the artist with smooth flat surfaces and like to step away from my presence in the finished work. I decided painting him would be an interesting challenge. In fact, it came together relatively simply, as the strength of David’s physical bearing made every decision quite obvious – his pose on the milk crate, the tattoos on his hands, as well as the chequered background, which is an extended fragment taken from a painting he was working on in the studio. His clothing just needed to morph into the dark infinity of space to complete the work.’

Blak Douglas Warp Drive, 2019, synthetic polymer on linen, 126 x 126 cm, framed

Finalist, The Doug Moran Portrait Prize, 2019

‘Blak Douglas (Adam Hill) sat for me in his studio in Redfern, just around the corner from ‘The Block’. I liked the work-a-day pose, in his paint splattered dungarees, his standard clothing of choice. I added the ‘Warp drive’ science fiction background because I think it demonstrates the strong drive Adam has behind his friendly and engaging personality’

Alex Wisser of Kandos, 2020, synthetic polymer on linen, 157 x 111 cm, framed

Clover, Bessie and Buster, 2021, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 157 x 106 cm, framed

Portrait of Clover Moore, 82nd Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney since 2004

Giorgio Parodi, Mirmande, 2023, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 61 x 51 cm

Friday Night at the East (Sarah & Phil), 2023, synthetic polymer paint on polyester canvas, board, 106 x 95 cm, framed

Eye see you, 2025, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 168 x 112 cm

Richard, with Andy, Tom and Comme des Garçons, 2026, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 202 x 136 cm

Salon des Refusés, 2026, S H Ervin Gallery, Sydney

Touring to The David Roche Foundation, Adelaide 14 August – 24 October 2026 and Retford Park, Bowral 28 November 2026 - 31 January 2027.