Leon Pericles
“I always prefer to work on the cusp of something edgy that I’ve invented. I can be influenced, but I never copy.”
Leon Pericles is one of Australia’s most recognised and uniquely talented artists. A master printmaker and painter, Leon’s extraordinary creativity and technical skill has resulted in an impressive body of work.
In 2023 Leon was appointed as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the visual arts. He has held more than 160 solo exhibitions including in Italy by invitation of the Accademia di Belle Arti Bologna, Italy.
Leon has nine published books and won national and international acclaim over a more than 55-year career, with works in both the national and State Galleries. In 2018 Leon attracted thousands to a Retrospective exhibition of more than 500 works - a mere fraction of his accomplishments.
Leon’s creations can be found in important collections with major public works at the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Presbyterian Ladies College Stained glass windows, Parmelia Hilton Hotel Perth, a stone inlay floor installation at Perth’s Hale School.
Leon, who spent his formative years in Meekatharra, has been inspired by his love for the Australian outback and its history. Using his ficticious town of Widjimorphup, he has built a unique narrative to inject wit, humour and satire into the art scene.
Leon and his wife Moira were featured in their daughter Nia’s documentary ‘Storm in a Teacup’, an award finalist, shows an intimate portrait of Leon as he embarked on his biggest challenge - the Retrospective exhibition of a lifetime of works with Linton & Kay. Throughout their lives together, Moira (who is now in Dementia care) played a huge part in his success as his creative council and manager.
The sale of Leon’s “Etching for Moi” raised over one hundred thousand dollars for the Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. Wishing to continue his fundraising efforts in support of dementia research Leon created the etching “Islands of Lost Memories” with partial funds going to support Dementia Australia.
Works by the artist
