About

In a 25+ year career, Sydney-based artist, Ian Thomas has staged 20 solo exhibitions and had work included in numerous group shows in Sydney, Melbourne and London. His practice ranges from painting to mixed media and installations, and more recently, textile works. These newer works are designed with two objectives - one, to honour the queer kid he never allowed myself to be. Finally he gets to play with sequins, jewelry and all the sparkly things. And two, to honour queer elders and share stories of those people who chose difficult, challenging paths through life but did so with grace and bravery. 

Career highlights have included a residency and solo show at Factory49 Paris; a public commission for the Newtwon Art Seat for Mradi Gras 2019; showing as part of Pride Amplified during World Pride 2023; being a finalist in the Churchie Emerging Art Prize and receiving a highly commended award in the 2022 and 2023 Art Edit Self-Represented Art Prize.

Ian’s work is held in private and corporate collections throughout Australasia and Europe, having been purchased by such varied collectors as fashion designer, Colette Dinnigan and Melbourne’s five star Grand Hyatt Hotel. He is also a featured artist in the Sheraton Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Sydney.

Ian has been selected to show at The Other Art Fair on nine occasions, both in Sydney and Melbourne, was nominated in Vogue Living as one of five talents to watch at the latest fair in Melbourne and has been chosen as a feature artist by the Chief Curator and VP, Art Advisory at Saatchi Art. Ian’s work has appeared in many publications including GQ, Home Beautiful, Real Living and the Sydney Morning Herald.

For more information on any of the works you see on this site or to arrange a visit to the studio, email ian@ianthomasart.com.au