Nigel Milsom (b. 1975, Albury, NSW) is an acclaimed Australian painter known for his emotionally charged and stylistically distinctive works. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of influences — including Hokusai, Edward Hopper, Robert Ryman, Gerhard Richter, and Alex Katz — Milsom’s paintings often evoke a quiet intensity and psychological depth, combining figuration with abstract elements and a refined graphic sensibility.
He studied Visual Arts at the University of Newcastle, later completing postgraduate degrees at the College of Fine Arts, UNSW, including a Master of Fine Arts in 2002. His time working at the Art Gallery of New South Wales contributed significantly to his visual education and artistic development.
Milsom’s career includes several prestigious awards. He won the 2012 Sulman Prize with Judo House pt 4 (Golden mud), followed by the 2014 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize with Uncle Paddy, and the 2015 Archibald Prize with his portrait of barrister Charles Waterstreet, Judo House pt 6 (the white bird). He was also an Archibald Prize finalist in 2019.
Despite personal struggles, including a widely publicized legal case in 2012, Milsom has continued to produce work that resonates with audiences and critics alike. His paintings are held in major public collections, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, and the Newcastle Art Gallery.
Nigel Milsom’s work continues to explore themes of introspection, memory, and the human condition with a quiet, compelling power.
