I choose Warren instead… though he may not have such a high media profile. However, when you look at it, his life IS worth looking at. Warren Breninger, of the recent Charles Nodrum Gallery exhibition: ‘Resurrection of the Living and the Dead’ is the Warren to which I am referring; not the Shane Warne of The Musical fame or footballer Ben Cousins of Megan Roodenry’s potential entry to the Archibald Prize.

A contemporary of Godwin Bradbeer, I have always found Breninger’s paintings a challenge to process – particularly earlier on, as I was of the ‘smiley Christian’ ilk. Now, a few more years further on in my spiritual walk and a few more scars of reality on my own face……I have a much deeper appreciation for his unapologetic grizzly capturing of truth in humanity’s face. These are convincingly dead faces except for the life everlasting which backlights the ugliness of the now. I respect the fact that Breninger is a dedicated and involved Christian, despite a lifetime in the church. I hope I remain as faithful and become as credible as an artist.

If you’re interested in seeing his work up close it is on in Melbourne from 27th of November until the 20th of December.