John Ancher’s artistic journey is one of transformation, shaped by influence and ambition. The son of Sydney Ancher, a renowned Australian modernist architect, John initially followed in his father’s footsteps, forging a successful career in architecture. He made a significant impact as an educator, mentoring young architects at the University of Tasmania’s School of Architecture throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Yet, despite his accomplishments in the field, his true calling lay in painting and writing – passions that have continuously driven his creative pursuits.

John gradually carved out a space for himself in the art world. Over the years, he held several solo exhibitions of paintings and, each showcasing his evolving artistic voice. From 2002 to 2015, he served as the Art Curator of the Hutchins Art Prize, further embedding himself in the Tasmanian art scene.

“I have always been focused on altering the literal representation of subject matter whilst retaining an identifiable visual link to reality. Abstraction is alluded to, rarely becoming an end in itself. Use of heightened colour is a constant.”

Originality is the cornerstone of John’s artistic philosophy. Though influences from significant artists may be detected in his work, he consciously avoids imitation, striving instead for a unique and personal form of expression.

“It is fair to say that my father’s attitude to modernism, in architecture and painting, had a significant impact on my early thoughts about what to admire in art and what to reject. From about the age of ten he bought me art books (usually depicting the work of English artists such as Paul Nash, John Piper and Graham Sutherland) which I studied assiduously. He was suspicious of abstraction, and I probably hung onto that belief myself until my mid-twenties.

Today, John lives with his wife, Kristine, on a small property outside Richmond, Tasmania. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Tasmanian landscape, he finds endless inspiration for his paintings. Looking ahead to 2025, John is preparing for an exhibition that will explore the landscape and cultural significance of Richmond, a subject that continues to inform his work.