The art of Mambo: the bastard child of Australian surf culture – in pictures
A three-decade retrospective of Mambo art has come to Sydney’s Ambush gallery, following a successful run at the National Gallery of Victoria. Self-described as the “bastard children of surf culture”, Mambo was established in 1984 and quickly rose to fame thanks to its irreverent sense of humour. Mambo: 30 Years of Shelf-Indulgence Exhibition (11 March – 26 April) features the works of Reg Mombassa, Emily Vanderlism and Numskull who mixed an unconventional celebration of the Australian identity with a surrealist sensibility. Here, Mambo’s managing director Angus Kingsmill takes us through some of the label’s key artworks
Wed 11 Mar 2015 00.35 GMT Last modified on Wed 19 Oct 2022 15.28 BST
Australian Jesus at the Football by Reg Mombassa (1986)
Angus Kingsmill: This is Reg Mombassa’s take on a non-judgemental, Australia-style messiah. He’s a symbol of the country’s no-worries attitude; a character who turns up at the footy with beer and pies, to quench the thirst and line the stomachs of supporters. Share on Facebook Share on TwitterCentral panel of Gumscape with road and creatures
by Reg Mombassa (2014)Angus Kingsmill: This is just one panel of three, featuring city icons the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, along with Australian Jesus in his cape. Share on Facebook Share on TwitterFlashes and Bones by Ben Brown (2014)
Angus Kingsmill: This is a Mambo-fied version of the famed comic book character Flash, created in collaboration with DC Comics on the year of their 75th anniversary and our 30th anniversary. Share on Facebook Share on TwitterFarting Dog Call of the Wild by Richard Allan (1987)
Angus Kingsmill: The farting dog is brilliant yet simple, and Mambo’s most famous artwork. It’s been tweaked in various ways over the year – the dog has been seen humping a leg and in the past we’ve lit his fart. Share on Facebook Share on TwitterKangarude by Matthew Martin (1998)
Angus Kingsmill: This clever, artistic pun by Matthew Martin was a big seller in the kids wear range throughout the late 90s and early 2000s. Share on Facebook Share on TwitterHeroes by Numskull (2014)
Angus Kingsmill: Numskull is one of Australia’s top street artists and here he combines several DC characters into one, including Superman, Wonder Woman, the Green Lantern, Flash and Batman. Share on Facebook Share on TwitterMambo Theology: the Road to Clovelly by Reg Mombassa (1997)
Angus Kingsmill: Australian Jesus hasn’t always sat well with everyone – there were a few cases of picketing by religious groups outside our Paddington Store in the 90s. But it’s interesting how over time these complaints have dissipated, and he’s become a universally loved character. Share on Facebook Share on TwitterCat Gotcha Tongue by Emily Vanderlism (2014)
Angus Kingsmill: The sizzling sexual tension between Batman and Cat Woman, as captured by a brilliant new Mambo artist. Share on Facebook Share on TwitterWing it
by Bree Auty (2015)Angus Kingsmill: This piece was inspired by the neo-tribal look that’s trending at the moment. I wanted to team a fierce tribal bird with a soft, floaty butterfly vibe. Share on Facebook Share on TwitterBreak Fast, Die Young! by Blair Sayer (2013)
Angus Kingsmill: This is Blair’s take on ham and eggs. Over the last two years he’s become a regular contributor to Mambo and is definitely an artist with our sense of humour and silliness. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
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