Apocraphylactic Realism

Another Aussie icon from Godzone: NZ-born Reg Mombassa is best known for the distinctive designs he creates for the Mambo surf-wear brand: bright, surreal visions of suburban life and beach culture. He is frequently controversial: a work depicting a naked Australian Jesus as plump and middle-aged raised the ire of many. An exhibition of his work in Sydney is revealing the depth of his work. “People in the art world seem to think of me as that T-shirt guy. That annoys me. I think whether its on a T-shirt or in a gallery its just as interesting.”