The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.
Born in Subiaco, Western Australia in 1938, barrister and philanthropist Malcolm McCusker AC CVO KC was the first in his family to go to university. Admitted to practice in 1961, during his extensive legal career he has appeared as counsel in the Supreme Court, Federal Court, High Court and Privy Council. From his work as a barrister and his appointment as the 31st Governor of Western Australia to his leadership and philanthropic endeavours, McCusker has demonstrated a deep and ongoing commitment to Australia, and not least his home state. In 2012 he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia, for eminent service to the people of Western Australia, particularly through the provision of equitable access to legal representation, as an advocate for sustainable development and education, and through significant philanthropic support for a range of medical research, youth and arts organisations.
In this painting, artist Vincent Fantauzzo has employed his signature intricate realism, combined with a gentle palette grounded in blue, to create a portrait that captures a strong sense of the sitter’s steady optimism, inextricably linked to his beloved hometown of Perth.
Gift of Nigel Satterley AM and Denise Satterley 2022
© Vincent Fantauzzo
Vincent Fantauzzo (age 45 in 2022)
Malcolm J. McCusker AC CVO KC (age 84 in 2022)
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves.
Malcolm McCusker talks with artist Vincent Fantauzzo about starting out as a lawyer and becoming Governor of Western Australia.
Vincent Fantauzzo on painting his portrait of Hugh Jackman.
The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.
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