Staff Profiles

Education

MA , Royal College of Art, London, UK , .
DA , Edinburgh College of Art, Scotland , .

Areas of Expertise

Drawing and Sculpture

Teaching Areas

Drawing, Anatomy for the Artist, Drawing and Painting

Current Research Activity

Although working in a broad range of disciplines within the visual arts, the core of Mike Esson's art practise has been the study, interpretation and expression of the human figure. This has been the focus of 10 major solo exhibitions and numerous group exhibitions.

Mike's current work continues a long-term exploration of the body; its structure and vulnerability through a personal narrative, which deals with how we view ourselves.

Moving between physiology, physiognomy, and psychology, Mike draws upon science and pseudo-science as a catalyst for creating visual interpretations. The visual expression is explored through the drawing process, finding equivalents in line and mark to investigate a visual resonance for ideas of mortality and identity.

Mike's research is part of a wider cultural climate, forged links between art, anatomy and surgery; not in the obvious way where new technologies dominate, rather through the evaluation of traditional values with a contemporary relevance. Much of his work also deals with the self- portrait. It is here that the role of the artist becomes blurred with that of the surgeon and patient, ambiguous metaphors reflect medical histories and confront private fears.

Exhibitions

Solo Exhibitions

2005, Don’t Criticise The Flowers. Dong Hua University, Shanghai, China.

2005, Shouting At The Carcass. The Central Academy of Fine Art, Beijing, China.

2005, The Courage of your Doubts. Goethe - Institut, Sydney.

2003, Imagine My Heart Was Yours. Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney.

Group Exhibitions

2005, Drawing - A Reflective Practice. Air Gallery, London.

2005, Personal and Material - Ian Howard and Michael Esson. Capital Normal University, Beijing, China.

2005, Thai - Australian Contemporary Prints 2005. Chiangmai University Art Museum, Chiangmai, Thailand.

2005, Custom Prints Unpacked. Delmar Gallery, Sydney.

2004, Li River Project. Central Academy of Fine Art, Beijing, China.

2004, Li River Project. Guang Xi College of Fine Arts, Nanning, China.

2004, Deeper Drafts. Sir Herman Black Gallery, University of Sydney, Sydney.

Professional Associations

International Drawing Research Institute
Director (Australia)

Glasgow School of Art
Visiting Professor in Drawing

Xi’an Academy of Art, China
Guest Professor

Dong Hua University, China
Consultant Professor