When renowned Australian artist John Olsen publicly dismissed his Archibald Prize victory as the worst decision he'd ever seen, Mitch Cairns could have let the harsh criticism derail his artistic journey. Instead, the 41-year-old painter from Stanwell Park simply kept creating, and this week he's celebrating a career milestone with his first solo exhibition at the prestigious Wollongong Art Gallery.
Cairns' path to artistic success wasn't conventional. Growing up in Casula before moving to Stanwell Park as a teenager, he attended Holy Spirit College in Bellambi while nurturing his artistic dreams. His father worked as a bricklayer and his mother as a bookkeeper – backgrounds that made his eventual rise in Australia's competitive art world seem unlikely. During his high school years, Cairns received invaluable mentoring from Michael Mucci, a longtime political illustrator and cartoonist for The Sydney Morning Herald who lived in his neighborhood.
"He was someone within the community that was able to give guidance, take on an unofficial type of mentor role," Cairns reflected on Mucci's influence. This early guidance proved crucial in shaping his artistic foundation and providing the encouragement needed to pursue his passion professionally.
The artist's dedication has paid off with significant achievements over the years. He won the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship in 2012, followed by his controversial Archibald Prize victory in 2017 for a portrait of his wife, Agatha Gothe-Snape. When highly influential Southern Highlands artist John Olsen called the win "the Archibald's worst decision he'd seen," Cairns chose to focus on his work rather than the negative commentary.
"I didn't think anything about it," Cairns said this week, demonstrating the resilience that has characterized his career. Rather than dwelling on criticism, he has continued to develop his artistic voice and expand his creative output.
His current exhibition, titled "Restless Legs," represents a full-circle moment for the artist. As he oversaw the installation of his artworks at Wollongong Art Gallery, Cairns admitted he never dared to imagine having his own show at the prestigious venue during his student days at Holy Spirit College. The exhibition features a compelling collection of drawings and striking oil on linen paintings that draw inspiration from the world outside his inner-city Sydney studio.
The artworks explore themes ranging from nature and the built environment to the working lives of people around him. A standout piece is a repurposed six-meter-long power pole that visitors can sit on to observe the other works from a distance, though the detailed craftsmanship inevitably draws viewers closer for intimate examination.
"There's always pressure. It's certainly welcome and very meaningful... I'm very excited about it," Cairns said about the exhibition, acknowledging both the opportunity and the responsibility that comes with showcasing at such a respected institution.
Beyond celebrating his own success, Cairns is eager to encourage emerging artists in the Illawarra region. He recognizes that the creative industry offers no clear-cut path to success, which can be intimidating for both artists and their families. "There are many avenues to make something; there is no one way to do it," he explained.
"I think maybe that feeling that there is no direct path is something that might scare the jeepers out of parents... but I just think that art lends itself to a natural form of wayfinding, and it's a very exciting and empowering choice," Cairns continued. He was careful to acknowledge the challenges artists face, noting, "It's also very difficult. I certainly wouldn't set aside the difficulties of artists. They do a lot with little, almost 100 percent of the time."
The exhibition has been curated by Nick Yelverton from the Art Gallery of New South Wales, who was specially brought to the Illawarra for this project. The show was originally commissioned by the AGNSW, with Wollongong Art Gallery being the only other venue to host it. "We're extremely lucky," Yelverton said about securing the exhibition.
"I think locals are going to really appreciate seeing new works by their favorite son, Mitch Cairns. He's a total inspiration to aspiring artists in the region; he's had an extraordinary career trajectory," Yelverton added, highlighting Cairns' significance as a role model for local artists.
The official opening of "Restless Legs" took place at 6pm on Friday, September 5, with a special "in conversation" event featuring curator Nick Yelverton and Mitch Cairns scheduled for Saturday at 1pm. Both events were offered free to the public. The exhibition will remain on display until November 30, giving art enthusiasts ample opportunity to experience Cairns' latest body of work and witness the artistic journey of a local success story who refused to let criticism silence his creative voice.
