Mimmo

2021, oil on wood panel
700mm x 600mm

Portrait of Mimmo Cozzolino.

Mimmo Cozzolino is an Italian-born Australian, renowned graphic designer and artist. With Greek émigré Con Aslanis, he started “All Australian Graphics” in 1971; immigrants creating Australian design. He is best known for his book “Symbols of Australia”, a history of Australian trademarks.

As with many immigrants, Mimmo fully embraced Australian culture. I have depicted him in the uniquely Australian landscape. The iconic Chesty Bonds featured heavily in Mimmo’s book, including the cover. Here Mimmo is represented as an outsized Chesty Bonds mannequin, a tourist attraction like the Big Pineapple or Big Banana. Australian icon as Australian icon.