Sean Burton

Sean Burton Bio.

In a former life, Sean served worldwide as a British and Australian soldier. Today, as an artist, Sean has a foot in both street art and the art ‘establishment’. Whilst his primary canvas has been the walls of Melbourne’s laneways, he has been exhibited in galleries nationally, and been a finalist in the National Portrait Gallery’s Darling Portrait Prize and the Australian War Memorial’s Napier Waller Art Prize.  He has also been featured in two exhibitions by the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum.  

Growing up in UK, Sean was heavily influenced by the punk movement and politically aware British counter-culture.  He was drawn to the ‘do it yourself’ and inclusive ethos of punk: creating outsider art and an identity from whatever people had at hand. 

Sean stopped making art during his military career, but his drive to pursue it again crystallised when he found himself struggling to manage his deteriorating mental health; post-military service. Art offered connection, and a way forward.

Primarily using stencils and aerosol paint, his work often depicts people he’s served with, or stories of service men and women from the past. 

The work expresses the sense of humour and good nature that, for Sean, is a defining characteristic of many who serve. The ability to make each other laugh, and create a sense of camaraderie in the face of adversity, is a cherished trait.  

Sean is currently featured in Between Two Worlds  and Changed Forever exhibitions at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.