David Larwill was a key figure in Australian art, and his work lives on in The Larwill Melbourne. His unique mixture of childlike freshness, simplicity and sophistication established him as one of the leading figurative expressionists in Australia.
Born in Ballarat in 1956, Larwill co-founded Roar Studios in Melbourne's Fitzroy, a cooperative space for artists seeking an alternative to mainstream galleries.
A natural socialiser and influencer, Larwill drew inspiration from CoBrA artists and Australia's Angry Penguins. He rebelled against theory-centered styles, saying ""I just wanted to paint and I wanted people to smile when they looked at my paintings"". Larwill opted for visually exhilarating, spontaneous works infused with tribal influences and graffiti-like slogans, all of which exude a naive charm.
Larwill's style, characterised by grouped figures and geometric balance, evokes diverse emotions and autobiographical narratives. Celebrating the joyous side of life, his works reflect everyday scenes and his passion for Indigenous art while managing to capture insightful socio-political attitudes.
Larwill's art is still exhibited worldwide and translated into tapestries by the Victorian Tapestry Workshop. His pieces remain a significant presence in the art world, with works displayed in prestigious collections like the National Gallery of Australia and the British Museum.
David Larwill was a storyteller, a free spirit who had a name for each painting and a nickname for all.