In the same way as it is normal here in Australia (or at least in Melbourne) to have a tin of beetroot in vinegar and a jar of vegemite in the back of your cupboard (guilty as charged), it is also standard issue to have a Leunig cartoon stuck to the fridge.



There's good reason for this.

Most cartooning is observation of the world packaged into a humourous form. Some cartoonists observe the amusing habits of pets and their owners. Some take the piss out of our politicians and despin their carefully woven tales for us.



Every now and then there is a cartoonist who holds the mirror up to our collective internal lives, look into our souls and tell us what we are really doing and feeling. Part shaman, part comedian, part artist.



In the same way that I admire Tom Roberts for his ability to tap into the collective unconscious and then distill this into pictures that become part of our national identity, I admire Leunig's similar ability in cartoon form to really clearly see, capture and show us ourselves.

Mr Curly sees 'The Great Impressionists' at the National Gallery in Canberra

All with a good dash of the famed Aussie irreverence....From the NGV website, "One of the most irreverent and clever reinterpretations of Shearing the rams is Ramming the shears, 1984 by Michael Leunig. Leunig is an astute observer of Australian society. His witty reinterpretation of Roberts’s paintings is both humourous and thought provoking in the questions it raises about Australian national identity. Ramming the shears first appeared in Leunig’s regular spot in ‘The Age’, but it gained wider circulation in 1985 when it was used on the cover of a book of Leunig’s cartoons."

Ramming the Shears

For me, it's all about the ideas. Soulful, gentle, enlightening, frighteningly accurate.

Filled with truths to contemplate,

and reflections on how to live, not just exist.

More links to Michael Leunig

Leunig has numerous books published of collected cartoons, as well as paintings, etchings, prints and interviews. Everything is accessible from his website:

http://www.leunig.com.au/

Above Us The Great Grave Sky

Arthur Streeton was another well known 'Australian Impressionist'. He was of the same era and ilk as Tom Roberts. At his best he is considered to be better, but Roberts was the more evenly masterful painter. This is a little like distinguishing between fine brie and camembert cheeses. They were both highly skilled masters of paint.

 Like Roberts, he had the ability to capture a very Australia light and colour.

Still Glides The Stream And Shall Forever Glide

 I have a soft spot for landscapes...

Spring

...especially of the poetic, evocative kind. Streeton did this well, hence my admiration. His paintings bounce with feeling.

A Pastoral A Summer Afternoon

Fire's On

Streeton dabbled in showing life, mostly pioneer bush life, of the time. Though he didn't go as far as making iconic pictures that formed Australia's self image like Roberts, he did make some memorable images of the times.

The Point Wharf Mosman Bay

He made a number of paintings around Sydney that to me really capture a sense of the city.

The Purple Noon

There is another reason Tom Roberts is so revered today in Australia. Not only did he have technical prowess. Not only was he an influential mentor. He had an ability to make iconic pictures.