Trevor Vickers honoured as a State Cultural Treasure

Renowned abstract painter Trevor Vickers has been honoured with the prestigious State Cultural Treasure Award, recognising his profound contribution to Western Australian art.

With a career spanning over 60 years, Vickers’ minimalist abstract style is celebrated for its clean geometric forms, interplay of colour and space, and spiritual ambiance. Art historian Sasha Grishin AM lauded Vickers as “a unique talent with a refined sensibility,” while Felicity Johnston, director of Art Collective WA, praised his continued excellence at 81.

“Trevor Vickers is truly a master of his craft and we are delighted to see him recognised with this important award. At 81, he continues to create some of the finest paintings in the country, showcasing his exceptional skill and nuanced command of colour, honed over a lifetime,” she said.

Vickers’ journey began with the landmark 1968 exhibition The Field at the National Gallery of Victoria and flourished through his active participation in Melbourne’s avant-garde scene in the 1960s and 70s. His work developed internationally, with residencies in France and England during the 1980s and 90s.

In recognition of his legacy, Art Collective WA has launched the Trevor Vickers Living Artist Estate. This initiative aims to catalogue over 800 of his works and ensure their preservation for future generations. To support this endeavour, a fundraising campaign has been launched, aiming to raise $20,000 for archiving, conservation and future planning of Vickers’ invaluable artistic estate. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made until 31 March 2025.