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Nic Plowman

Nic Plowman is an Australian artist renowned for his expressive drawings and paintings that delve into themes of mortality, vulnerability, and masculinity. His work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions, and he has been a finalist in several prestigious art prizes.

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Teaching Resources for Nic Plowman (paid plans only)

Art Minute

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Art Minute: Nic Plowman
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Resurrection

Title: Nic Plowman - Resurrection
Duration: 11:50
Year: 2016
Director/DOP: Peter M Lamont
Music: Moby
Cameras: BMPCC OG, NEX5r (Lens Whacking)

About Nic Plowman

Early Life and Background
Born in Brisbane, Australia, in 1978, Nic Plowman grew up in a strong matriarchal family environment, which included his mother, two aunts, a younger brother, and four older cousins. This extended household provided a nurturing backdrop that influenced his artistic sensibilities. Plowman was born with Tricuspid Atresia, a congenital heart condition, leading to two open-heart surgeries. These early life experiences of medical challenges and resilience have profoundly impacted his artistic exploration of human vulnerability and strength.

Artistic Development and Education
Plowman pursued formal art education at the University of Southern Queensland, where he completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2000. During his studies, he was awarded the Parvis Nikdin Prize for outstanding studio practice. He furthered his qualifications with a Graduate Diploma in Education from the Queensland University of Technology in 2007 and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment from Victoria University in 2016. These academic achievements have equipped him with both artistic and pedagogical skills, enabling him to contribute to the arts and education sectors.

Major Works and Exhibitions
Throughout his career, Plowman has held numerous solo exhibitions, including "Garden" at James Makin Gallery in Melbourne (2022) and "Avalanche" at the same gallery in 2020. His work has been featured in over 60 group exhibitions and has garnered recognition as a finalist in several prestigious art prizes, such as the Dobell Drawing Prize (2023), the Kedumba Contemporary Drawing Award (2023), and the Doug Moran Portrait Prize (finalist in 2012 and semi-finalist in 2018). His piece "25 Days" was selected for the Kedumba Drawing Award in 2024, showcasing his continued prominence in the Australian art scene.

Style and Technique
Plowman's artistic practice is primarily focused on drawing, where he demonstrates a dedication to both traditional and experimental approaches. His broader practice encompasses painting, printmaking, and sculpture. His works often explore themes of fear, triumph, and vulnerability, informed by his personal experiences with health challenges and resilience. He employs a dynamic interplay of line and form, creating compositions that convey both intimacy and visceral energy.

Legacy and Influence
Beyond his artistic practice, Plowman is an active member of the arts and education sectors. He teaches workshops locally, interstate, and internationally, leading the life drawing program at The Art Room in Melbourne and facilitating drawing sessions at the National Gallery of Victoria. As Head of Education at Zart, he designs professional learning experiences for teachers and students across Australia. His work has been acquired into numerous local and international collections, both public and private, reflecting his significant contribution to contemporary Australian art.

References

  1. About | Nic Plowman
  2. CV | Nic Plowman
  3. Nic Plowman – James Makin Gallery
  4. Nic Plowman – The Kedumba Collection and Drawing Award

Teaching Resources

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