Billy Vanilli (b. 1995) is a Melbourne-based artist with a distinctive flair for incandescent realism. His paintings focus on the potency and transience of seemingly insignificant moments. Beginning with written prompts, Vanilli recalls everyday observations, dreams and memories. Through painting, he explores how and why these moments transform, distort or become embellished with each revisit. The resulting imagery shimmers with an almost cinematic quality and invites viewers on a personal yet familiar journey of introspection.
Exhibitions
- 2023 Goodeye Projects Residnecy group exhibition, London
- 2023 'Domestication Vacation' Solo, Michael Reid, Sydney
- 2022 Feast, Group, Brunswick Street Gallery, Melbourne
- 2022 Still Life Prize, Finalist, Group, Tacit
- 2022 'BUFFET' Solo exhibition, Oigall Projects, Melbourne
- 2022 Painting Now, Michael Reid, Sydney
- 2022 Don't Be a Stranger, Brunswick Street Gallery, Fitzroy
- 2022 Frame of Mind 'Trust the Process', Milk Archive
- 2022 Southen Buoy Studios Portrait Prize Finalist
- 2022 Fountains & Follies, Brunswick Street Gallery, Fitzroy
- 2022 Know Thyself, Good Space, Sydney
- 2022 National Emerging Art Prize - ABC Selects, Michael Reid
- 2021 Rituals of Decadence, Oigall Projects, Collingwood
- 2019 Ilford Photo Salon, CCP, Fitzroy, Melbourne
- 2017 Adults Only: Emerging Artists, New Age Studios, Brunswick
- 2015 RMIT Communication Design Grad Show, Melbourne
- 2014 Inbetween Jobs, First Site Gallery, Melbourne
- 2012 Moran Contemporary Photographic Competition Finalist
Education
- 2021 Diploma of Education (Art), Australian Catholic University
- 2015 Bachelor of Communication Design, RMIT, Melbourne
Selected Press
The Design Files
Hunter & Folk
Sunday Salon
Fashion Journal
Misceo Journal