Michael Leunig
Michael Leunig
Michael Leunig, typically referred to as Leunig, is an Australian cartoonist, poet and cultural commentator. His best known works include The Adventures of Vasco Pyjama and the Curly Flats series. He was declared an Australian Living Treasure by the National Trust of Australia in 1999...
NationalityAustralian
ProfessionCartoonist
Date of Birth2 June 1945
CountryAustralia
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In contemporary art culture, where good looks and clever strategic planning of art careers have become a feature, professional practice may be taught in art schools like a branch of public relations or political science.
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In later life, we don't easily talk of fears, but instead we discuss our 'concerns.' Fear seems too primal and hysterical, but concern is polite and intellectual and nicely under control.
bright creeping lights love unless
I have not much love for the bright lights - unless it's the sun creeping up over the horizon.
religion
I never had a spirit-breaking, soul-destroying religion drummed into me.
understood
I never really understood who the Magi were as a child. What is a Magi? Not a word I would use, but a magpie I could understand.
totally
I'm totally deaf in my right ear, yeah.
contend deeply ear modern nose organ sensitive
If the nose has become a deeply disillusioned and grief-stricken organ in the modern world, then what of the ear? The poor little ear - such an innocent, intelligent and sensitive creature; in these times of such flagrant sonic brutality, the sense within the ear has much to contend with.
I had a few ducks as a kid.
arises art ends life religion spiritual
Art, like religion, arises from the spirit, but alas, the formalizing of spiritual life all too often ends in hypocrisy.
art call courage freedom love needs seems
Art, it seems to me, doesn't need freedom so much as it needs courage and love - some would call it 'soul' or 'Eros.'
control existence humanity life nature sweet takes waters
Socialised humanity represses nature and degrades human nature; it takes life and waters it down - probably to control it - diluting existence with water that is lukewarm, sweet and murky.
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Existential philosophy, poetry and art - just like sadness - were all unavoidable to a tender young man in the meat works.
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If you're becoming weary and disillusioned with Australian values, Judeo-Christian values or Western civilisation, I recommend strangers - they're such a glorious, redeeming wilderness to wander into.
itself misses
If you know anything about ducks, you know a baby duck will imprint itself on you. It misses its mother.