Nicholas MAU

Nicholas Mau is an Australian graphic designer celebrated for his progressive commentary on suburban life and social norms. Primarily working within Victoria, he graduated from Swinburne University with a bachelor's degree in 1990. He went on to become a prominent member of the political poster company, RedPlanet Inc. (1992-1999). Before its closure in 1999 due to insufficient funding, RedPlanet focused on creating a series of satirical yet insightful political posters which reflected the community's voice at the time.

In 2007 Mau founded his own company, Rogue Planet, the name paying homage to his earlier involvement with RedPlanet. Similarly, Rouge Planet was founded to create socially conscious art and foster conversations within the community. Mau's work is housed in prestigious collections, including the National Gallery of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria. With over 25 years of experience in design, he continues to use screen-printing as a medium to question social norms and provoke political thought-making. His practice is a vital part of Australia’s contemporary art landscape.

"My work today expresses many additional influences, mostly satirical, with large-scale imagery and a bold colour palette. Posters have always been at the intersection of art and design, and I use them as my vehicle for disruption. Serigraphic printing is an exacting and precise medium. It’s the incremental stage of the work that intrigues me. The finished work is what excites me. The ephemera is what inspires me." – Nicholas Mau

During his residency at RedPlanet, Mau created Momento Mori, meaning 'remember you must die'. This tongue-in-cheek screen print depicts traditional gender roles in a domestic setting, accompanied by the text, ‘Erected In Memory Of the Suburban Dream’.