BEN QUILTY

Ben Quilty

Archibald Winner, Acclaimed War Artist

Australia’s most celebrated and critically acclaimed artists, renowned for his bold, emotionally charged works that capture the human experience in its rawest form. Ben’s powerful portrayals of soldiers and the psychological impact of war have earned him national recognition. His art continues to inspire, challenge, and captivate audiences worldwide.

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Ben Quilty is a critically acclaimed, Archibald Prize-winning artist whose work has earned him a place among Australia’s most iconic artists. Known for his bold, emotionally charged imagery, Ben has made a lasting impact on the Australian art scene, with his powerful pieces set to stand the test of time in the nation’s art history.

His defining moment came in 2011, when he was appointed as an official war artist by the Australian War Memorial and sent to Afghanistan as part of Operation Slipper. This deeply personal and transformative experience led to the creation of his After Afghanistan exhibition, which explored the psychological and emotional toll of war on Australian soldiers. The exhibition was a resounding success, sparking national conversations about PTSD and the emotional scars of war.

Ben’s art is more than just portraits; it’s a visceral, emotional representation of the human condition. His works have been displayed in prestigious galleries and are part of private and corporate collections worldwide. In addition to his art, Ben is known for his compelling media presence and public speaking, where he shares his insights on everything from the psychological effects of war to concepts of masculinity, national identity, and the inequities in the world of sports.

A passionate advocate for the arts and mental health, Ben’s influence extends far beyond the canvas. As a Trustee of The Art Gallery of NSW and a sought-after guest lecturer, he is a leading voice in the cultural and social dialogue of Australia. With his intelligence, wit, and charisma, Ben Quilty continues to inspire and challenge audiences around the world, making him one of Australia’s most fascinating public figures.

For an unforgettable experience, Ben’s unique perspective and thought-provoking commentary offer a rare opportunity to engage with one of the country’s most brilliant and courageous artists.

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At NAB Private Wealth we focus on providing an exceptional experience for our clients, and seek to align ourselves with those who meet this vision. This year we have been fortunate to feature Ben Quilty as guest speaker at two events. Our guests were captivated by Ben’s down to earth personality and sense of humour. He is an erudite raconteur and speaks with knowledge and passion on a great many subjects – not least the arts and humanity. NAB
Ben Quilty is one of the most engaging and diverse speakers of his generation. He entertains and commands attention from a wide range of audiences. Students, arts audiences of all ages and leaders in the corporate and political world all stop and listen to what he has to say. He is a most powerful presenter. Ben has a sensibility to engage on many levels and is respected for his opinions across a range of issues. Most importantly his presentation is extremely personal, offering great empathy and sincerity mixed together with an inherent wit. Ben has spoken numerous times at the Art Gallery of NSW including with Margaret Throsby and Margaret Olley and also journalist Scott Bevan in conversation as part of Art After Hours following his war artist tour. Ben spoke of what was an extremely difficult experience with grace and compassion to a crowd of enthralled people and he gave an amazing insight into his influences and life as an artist The Art Gallery of New South Wales
It was such a pleasure to have Ben on our panel for MCA on the Rocks, he is such a warm and engaging speaker and our audience connected with him immediately. He managed to tread that rare and perfect balance between intellect and humour. The event he participated on was the first sell out of the season and I have no doubt that this was due to Ben's wide appeal and popularity. We hope very much that he will join us again for speaking engagements in the future. Museum of Contemporary Art