Mike Chavez
Biography
Mike Chavez was classically trained as an animator and in a career spanning over 16 years worked for such studios as Disney, Warner Brothers and Dreamworks. In 2006 he turned his focus to painting and quickly gained kudos for his skill, uncompromising subject matter and biting humour.
Chavez’s work infuses heavy political commentary with meticulous artistic skill to confront racism, society’s hypocrisies and the complexities of the human condition. In 2008 he was a finalist for the Fleurieu Art Pize and in 2009 he was nominated as a finalist for the Archibald Prize, Australia’s most prestigious portrait award. He has exhibited in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Belgium, London and New York. His work has appeared in Vogue Living, Belle, Urbis, Lino, Empty and Art Monthly.
EDUCATION
1988 — 1990
Queensland College of Art
AWARDS
2009 Finalist, Archibald Prize
2008 Finalist, Fleurieu Art Prize
2007 Finalist, Prometheus Award
2007 Finalist, Metro 5 Award
SELECTED RECENT EXHIBITIONS
2017
Sense & Chavez, Fox Galleries, Melbourne
2015
Break-up Album (solo), Gallerysmith, Melbourne
Sydney Contemporary Art Fair, Carriageworks
2014
Signal 8, Cat Street Gallery, Hong Kong
50 Shades of Brown, Gallerysmith, Melbourne
2013
Apocalypse Wow (solo), Gallerysmith, Melbourne
2011
Live Fast Die Young (solo), Iain Dawson Gallery Sydney