Mark Occhilupo
Artist
Adam Cullen
(Australian, 1965 - 2012)
Date2000
Object number00030934
NamePainting
MediumAcrylic on canvas calico, staples, wood
DimensionsOverall: 1820 x 1680 x 22 mm
Display Dimensions: 1820 x 1680 mm
Display Dimensions: 1820 x 1680 mm
Copyright© Adam Cullen
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis portrait of former Australian world champion surfer Mark Occhilupo cleverly expresses the aggressive edge of contemporary surf culture, presenting something of the larrikin aspect of the dedicated surfer. Occhilupo, who won the world championship in 1999 after staging a comeback aged 33, looks as if he has stepped straight out of the surf with his matted hair dripping on the canvas. Adam Cullen painted this work for inclusion in the 2000 Sporting Portrait Prize.HistoryKnown as the 'Rip van Winkle' of surfing, Mark Occhilupo overcame a battle with drugs, alcohol and depression to become World Champion at 33. At the time he was the oldest professional surfer to take the World title.
Occhilupo was raised in Kurnell and introduced to surfing at the age of seven. At 15 he turned to the professional surfing curcuit and within two years was in the leading world rankings. The pressure of competition and the endless travel took its toll, and in 1987 he retreated from competition, depressed with a drug dependancy.
In 1992 he rejoined the World Tour climbing to 20 in the rankings, but suffered a breakdown and returned to Australia. In 1996 he was placed second to Kelly Slater at the Pipeline Masters in Hawaii, and in 1997 won the Super Skins event at Bells Beach. In 1999 he took the World title. His comeback has inspired a generation of younger surfers and shows that surfing is not just a preoccupation of youth.SignificanceAdam Cullen's portrait of iconic Australian surfer Mark Occhilupo is representative of the artist' s raw aesthetics and painting practices. The portrait is as an important document of the Occhilupo's role in Australian culture.
