Portraits

‘How many artists can catch a human likeness in about three minutes, with the subject in motion? Chong possesses a rare talent and we are lucky to have him here in our time, surreptitiously recording the noble heads of Melbourne’s creative crowd.’ * Rick Amor *
‘Chong’s book is VERY RICH. I can’t believe how it keeps on deepening and widening, the more I turn the pages. I was really surprised by his drawing of me. I thought, ‘Oh! maybe once or twice I was worthy of being loved.’ * Helen Garner *
‘It’s very likely W. H. Chong designed the cover of your favourite book. And now he’s gone ahead and made your favourite book. Portraits is an absolute gift of a thing, effortlessly capturing the face – and soul – of what Australia looks like now in a series of portraits that are delightful, gorgeous and deft. (Also, those rounded corners? Sexy.)’ * Benjamin Law *
‘Chong’s book of portraits is a beautiful thing. He should be proud. I’m proud to be in it.’ * Sophie Cunningham *
‘It is this commitment to deep intense observation which has proved so fruitful in this selection of drawings. Chong shows us his unique skill at unpicking the shape of a human form and putting it back together full of life, energy and spirit.’ * John Wolseley, from his Introduction *
‘Chong’s Portraits looks FABULOUS.’ * Michelle de Kretser *
‘I’m getting a sore arm and shoulder from turning the pages. What I think is so good about Chong’s Portraits is THE DRAWINGS. Every person is themselves; their shape, the way they look and lean their head, and the way they have each been given their own drawing style. Likeness is there, but also something more, and when there are so many it takes on a whole new feeling. A community, a tribe of like-minded people. It’s some kind of masterpiece.’ * Konrad Winkler, photographer, author of Diana Among the Humans *
‘Oh my … what a treasure to have Chong’s drawings together in print and not just on my Insta feed. And such a package! Portraits is bloody beautiful.’ * Mary Callahan, President, Australian Books Designers Association *
‘“When I see someone I want to draw them,” says Chong. His accomplished portraits vividly illuminate that which is crucial to creativity — the desire of the artist.’ * Juan Davila *
‘Turning the pages of this exquisitely produced volume of portraits is like being at a party of a who’s-who of musos, artists and the literary crowd in Australia.’ * Dr Zoe Sadokierski, Assoc. Professor UTS, Visual Communication *
‘Chong’s Portraits is richly engaging and very human. And so elegantly executed.’ * Eric Beecher *
‘It’s an instant classic.’ * Meg Williams *
‘What a gem. It’s a record of our time done with brilliance and sensitivity. A major work in a small package.’ * Jan Senbergs *
‘Chong knows exactly where to draw the line—between the eyes, and direct to the soul.’ * Andrew Denton *
‘Extremely impressed by the quality of drawing. I think Portraits is a masterwork, actually.’ * James Morrison, painter *
‘Chong’s drawings defy the gloss and surface of the contemporary self-performed world we consume through Instagram and the like. They speak to the commitment of a singular pursuit which reveals more than one can ever expect.’ * Simone Slee, VCA Head of Art *
‘This book is such a work of art … stacked to the brim with beautiful, revealing portraits. It is a record of our times. Portraits is a keeper.’ * Blarney Books and Art *
‘Portraits is breathtakingly stunning.’ * Hill of Content *
‘Portraits is wonderful. It’s very exciting, and the tone is perfect in design and content for the range of personalities inside. Such an enjoyable page-turner!’ * Bala Starr, Director of La Trobe Art Institute *
‘Portraits is glorious! I will treasure it always. Absorbing it is a delight. Chong’s drawings are “absolutely beautiful”, like Plath’s child’s “clear eye”, & so full of light, movement & spirit. I adore their music, textures & disparatenesses.’ * Stuart Barnes, winner of the Thomas Shapcott Prize for Poetry *
‘A striking, vibrant book.’ * Sydney Arts Guide *

Michelle de Kretser

Michelle de Kretser was born in Sri Lanka and lives in Warrane/Sydney on unceded Gadigal land. An honorary associate of the English Department at the University of Sydney, she has won several awards for her fiction. Theory & Practice is Michelle’s most recent novel.

Sophie Cunningham

Sophie Cunningham worked in publishing for fifteen years. She now works as a writer and journalist and has been a television columnist for The Age since July 2002. Her first novel, Geography, was published in 2004.

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