Leunig Fragments – A prolific life devoid of detail

The artist has two desires…one is to be seen and heard and the other is to not be found.

There is a lovely photo in the documentary The Leunig Fragments of Michael Leunig, Barry Humphries and John Clarke together and happy as Larry. All three, certified national treasures (John adopted from NZ of course) and without doubt true originals. Leunig talks openly about his last 3 hour catch up with Clarke just prior to Clarke’s death and it’s about as animated as he gets throughout the film.

The only other time I felt I got some sense of who this important Australian artist is, was 1. when he spent time with his old primary school teacher in her nursing home, 2. whenever he discussed his childhood in general or 3. when he was drawing or painting. Leunig is an extraordinarily kinaesthetic person. His eyes and face change whenever he talks about touching and feeling within the joys of his childhood growing up in the 40’s and 50’s in working class Maribyrnong, a western suburb of Melbourne. As soon as he starts painting and drawing he’s in his element and he’s been pumping out cartoons for the Age and Sydney Morning Herald now for over 30 years on a weekly basis.

To describe Leunig’s work, I’ll leave to the critics, other than to say it’s his combination of simplicity and power that make them so thought provoking. I’ve been an unashamed adorer of his work since I was a teenager in the army. I was a bit nervous going into this film as my old friend The Senator came away not fond of the man. Sometimes our heroes don’t live up to our expectations, and in The Senator’s case, his favourite film Chinatown was directed by convicted paedophile Roman Polanski, so sometimes you can’t win.

Leunig isn’t in that category but he’s been through two marriages and has four estranged children that he won’t discuss. In fact there’s not a lot of discussion about much of his personal life other than the fact he also has an estranged relationship with his siblings which is odd given he appears to have had a relatively happy childhood. If you are looking for any salacious gossip about Leunig you won’t find it here and it’s been the case for any interviewer over the journey…donuts. 

What is impressive is the amount of his work that is shown and it’s all a reminder of just what a unique talent Leunig is. My partner Lynda, also a lifelong adorer and I, had the privilege of seeing Leunig on stage at the Recital Centre a couple of years ago drawing whilst Sydney singer Gyan and band interpreted his poems into songs. Another Sydney singer Katie Noonan did the same last year. To see Leunig working live to a backdrop of beautiful music was something we will never forget. 

Leunig has influenced me in many ways over the years:

• In 1985 my late mum visited me in Melbourne from Perth and bought me a Leunig aboriginal designed windcheater from the Wilderness Society. I wore it religiously over the next couple of years until it almost fell apart. I then decided to get the image tattooed on my arm as a loving reminder of my mum and Leunig. Whilst playing football for Werribee in the then VFA at a game at North Port Oval, an Age photographer apparently took a photo of it and showed it to Leunig back at their offices. I got a phone call a few days later asking if they could do a story and this is the result. It was plastered on the back page of the Sunday Age and named “The WOW Jones Award for football tattoos”. “WOW” Jones was a giant Carlton footballer who had “W” tattooed on each of his arse cheeks. Fairly self-explanatory. On a brighter note, Leunig sent me the original photo signed as per the article and it has sat pride of place in my study ever since. Below is a couple of photos of the windcheater and another T shirt accompanied by old army mates Keith and Robbo.

On my first date with Lynda I invited her for dinner and cooked an appallingly spicy dish which at one stage forced her to cough and jettison a piece across the table and land on my cheek. If that wasn’t enough of a sign that we were meant to be, she actually brought over a DVD of Leunig Animated, a brilliant movie put together by Brian Brown and Sam Neill. We didn’t watch it that night but it seemed to be another sign we were compatible as she knew nothing about me at the time.

Finally to commemorate 10 years of our relationship I recently had a Leunig piece tattooed on my forearm. It’s hard to believe that in 10 years we have never had an argument. Challenges and disagreements yes, but never a raised word which I’m eternally grateful for.

Leunig Fragments left me a bit conflicted. He didn’t let me in all that much but Lynda on the other hand felt she didn’t want it to end, whilst The Senator came away a bit disappointed. I think it’s a must for adorers but if you’re not familiar with Leunig the man, it might grate a bit. 

Leunig loves nature and is more than often described as whimsical. I have never seen his thoughts on nature and being kind, as whimsical. Personally I think he’s the best social commentator I’ve ever seen. He doesn’t need speeches or pages of tired, rehashed rhetoric. He says it as he sees it and his work is full of images and thoughts that will provoke you, make you laugh and make you cry. 8.5/10

I’d like to dedicate this blog to Elizabeth (Liz) Prescott, my Year 9 English teacher who encouraged my creative (weird) story writing in 1977 at a school where an original or creative thought could have you beaten up down the oval at lunchtime! Thankyou Liz x

Leunig Fragments is playing at The Nova Carlton. This is the trailer.