Leon Pericles AM
* 1949, lives and works in Margaret River and East Perth
LLeon Pericles is a distinguished Australian artist renowned for his contributions to painting, printmaking, sculpture, and design. Born in 1949 in Western Australia, he spent his formative years in the outback town of Meekatharra, where his father was a hotel licensee. His early exposure to the Australian landscape profoundly influenced his artistic vision, leading him to create the imaginary town of Widjimorphup, which features prominently in his work .
Pericles' artistic journey began at Hale School, where he was mentored by art teacher Robert Juniper. He pursued further studies in Australia before completing postgraduate education in the United Kingdom. His career spans over five decades, during which he has held more than 160 solo exhibitions and garnered national and international acclaim .
In 2023, Pericles was honored as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to the visual arts, particularly in printmaking. This recognition coincided with his debut exhibition in Bologna, Italy, at the esteemed Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna .
Throughout his career, Pericles has been a passionate advocate for the arts, contributing to the advancement of visual arts in Australia. His works are held in numerous public and private collections, and he continues to inspire audiences with his unique artistic vision.
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For further information about the artist, please visit his website: https://www.leonpericles.com.au/
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2025
"Objecticus Eclecticus"
Linton & Kay Galleries, Cottesloe, Western Australia
May 1 – May 24, 2025
Featured the etching Marks of Perpetual Significance, exploring the evolution of writing and enduring symbols.
2024
"The Return"
Ex Animo Art, Hyde Park, Adelaide, South Australia
March 24 – April 10, 2024
A return to Adelaide featuring a blend of painting, printmaking, mixed media, and sculpture.
2023
"From Bologna to Broome"
Black Stump Gallery, Broome, Western Australia
July 1 – July 16, 2023
Showcased works following Pericles' exhibition at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Bologna, Italy.
2022
"Taming a Tumultuous Palette"
Linton & Kay Galleries, Cottesloe, Western Australia
April 3 – April 17, 2022
A solo exhibition of new works in painting, etching, and mixed media.
2021
"North to the Station Shed"
A mixed-media work reflecting Pericles' observations and interpretations.
2019
"Exquisitely Unboring"
Milk Factory Gallery, Western Australia
A pop-up exhibition showcasing Pericles' distinctive style and eclectic approach to art.
2018
"50 Year Retrospective: Just Scratching the Surface"
Western Australia
A monumental exhibition showcasing over 500 works, including every etching Pericles has ever produced.
2014
"The Horsepower Continues"
Black Stump Gallery, Broome, Western Australia
An exhibition reflecting Pericles' ongoing exploration of themes and mediums."Tree House"
Black Stump Gallery, Broome, Western Australia
Featured works inspired by architectural and natural forms."Just Scratching the Surface II"
Linton & Kay Galleries, Cottesloe, Western Australia
A continuation of his retrospective showcasing a diverse range of works.
2002
Print retrospective spanning 33 years, curated by Moira Pericles.
1996
Documentary video produced on the artist and his work.
1989
"20 Years of Printmaking"
Western Australian State Art Gallery
A retrospective exhibition of his prints.
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2023 – Member (AM) of the Order of Australia
For significant service to the visual arts, particularly printmaking. This prestigious honor was conferred as part of the King's Birthday Honours.2021 – Finalist, Western Australian of the Year (Arts and Culture category)
Recognized for outstanding contributions to the arts in Western Australia.2010 – Western Australian Citizen of the Year – Youth Arts Award
Acknowledged for significant contributions to youth arts in the state.2005 – Young Western Australian of the Year – Arts
Honored for early career achievements and contributions to the arts.1988 – Camden Print Award, New South Wales
Recognized for excellence in printmaking.1988 – Bond University Print Commission
Awarded for a commissioned print project.1988 – Top Score in 'Ten Unique Kites of the World' at the International Kite Festival, China
Achieved the highest score in a global kite competition.1987 – Invitation to International Kite Festival, Japan
Selected to participate in a prestigious international kite festival.1986 – Invitation to International Kite Festival, Singapore
Invited to showcase kites at an international festival.1985/6 – Western Australian Arts Council Artist/Traineeship Grant
Received funding for artistic development and training.1984 – Invitation to International Kite Festival, China
Participated in a renowned international kite festival.1981 – Stirling City Council Drawing Prize
Awarded for excellence in drawing.1980 – Print Council of Australia Member Print ('For Your Eyes Only')
Commissioned to create a print for the Print Council of Australia.1980 – Comalco Australia Print Commission
Commissioned to produce a print for Comalco Australia.1979 – Australia-Japan Foundation Travel Grant
Awarded a grant for travel to Japan to explore cultural exchange.1978 – Fine Arts Gallery Inaugural 'Judges Award'
Received the inaugural judges' award at the Fine Arts Gallery.1973 – Western Australian Arts Council Grant for Overseas Studies
Granted funding to pursue studies abroad.1972 – University of Western Australia Guild of Undergraduates Print Award
Honored with a print award by the university guild.1971 – Bunbury Art Prize for Watercolour
Awarded for excellence in watercolour painting.1971 – Bunbury Art Prize for Drawings
Recognized for outstanding drawings.1971 – Bunbury Art Prize for Prints
Received the Bunbury Art Prize for printmaking.1968 – Best Set Design, Australian Broadcasting Commission (Tennessee Williams' 'Suddenly Last Summer')
Awarded for exceptional set design in a theatrical production.
