The Australian Art Anthology | Series 01
CLASSROOM RESOURCE PACK
Between Two Worlds
Adam Cullen

This resource pack is designed to support teachers delivering Stage 5 (Years 9-10) and Stage 6 (Years 11-12) Visual Arts curriculum. All materials align with the NSW Syllabus and can be adapted for VCE and QCE contexts.

Year Level Key Concepts
Stage 5 (9-10) Contemporary Art, Portraiture, Identity, Visual Language, Technique & Process
Stage 6 (11-12) Postmodern Frame, Subjective Frame, Conceptual Framework, Art & Society, Australian Art History

Stage 5: Exploring Technique & Narrative

Question 1
Describe how Adam Cullen uses color to create mood in his portrait of David Wenham. Identify at least three specific color choices and explain their emotional impact.
Question 2
Analyze the visual language Cullen uses to represent identity. How does he break down shapes and imagery to communicate meaning about the subject?
Question 3
Compare Cullen's "grunge" style with traditional portraiture. What makes his approach contemporary? Use specific examples from the documentary.
Question 4
Research the Archibald Prize. Why was Cullen's portrait of David Wenham significant? How does winning this prize impact an artist's career?
Studio Task: Controlled Leak Portrait
  1. Research: Study Cullen's technique of breaking down forms into simplified shapes. Collect reference images of his portraits.
  2. Sketch: Create a portrait of someone significant to you. Begin with basic geometric shapes (circles, rectangles, triangles).
  3. Develop: Add bold, expressive lines. Use color strategically to convey emotion—avoid realistic skin tones.
  4. Refine: Apply Cullen's "grunge" aesthetic: rough edges, visible brushstrokes, and strong contrasts.
  5. Reflect: Write 200 words explaining how your portrait communicates identity through visual language.

Stage 6: The Frames & Conceptual Framework

Question 1
Analyze Adam Cullen's portrait of David Wenham through the Postmodern Frame. How does Cullen challenge traditional portraiture conventions? Discuss his use of appropriation, irony, and visual language.
Question 2
Using the Subjective Frame, explore how Cullen's personal experiences and relationships (with his father Kevin, mentor Ken McGregor) influence his artistic practice. How does the documentary reveal the connection between the artist's life and his work?
Question 3
Examine Cullen's position within the Conceptual Framework. How do art critics, galleries, and institutions (like the Archibald Prize) shape the reception of his work? Discuss the relationship between the artist, artwork, audience, and world.
Question 4
Research the Australian art scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Where does Cullen fit within the broader context of contemporary Australian art? Compare his work with other artists of his generation.
HSC/VCE Style Extended Response
"Adam Cullen's 'Between Two Worlds' demonstrates how contemporary artists use visual language to explore complex ideas about identity and society."

Discuss this statement with reference to Cullen's artistic practice, techniques, and the broader context of Australian contemporary art. In your response, you must refer to:
  • At least two specific artworks or series by Cullen
  • The Postmodern and/or Subjective Frames
  • The role of institutions and audiences in shaping meaning
  • Relevant art historical and cultural contexts

Word Count: 800-1000 words