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  • Most Popular Paintings
the collector's folio

Mervyn Bishop Most Popular Paintings

The 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop our visitors look at most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one.

Edition 2026 · 19 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Mervyn Bishop · born 1945

Prime Minister Gough Whitlam pours soil into the hand of traditional land owner Vincent Lingiari, 1975, Mervyn Bishop

1975 · National Portrait Gallery, Canberra · original 60 x 50 cm

A powerful black and white photograph by Mervyn Bishop capturing the historic moment Prime Minister Gough Whitlam pours soil into Vincent Lingiari's hand, offering a profound glimpse into Australian history for your collection.

View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #1: Prime Minister Gough Whitlam pours soil into the hand of traditional land owner Vincent Lingiari
Art Movement
Photojournalism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 1 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$23650 × 60 cm Commission at original size

Lionel Rose at his press conference by Mervyn Bishop, 1991

1991 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 30 x 30 cm
View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #2: Lionel Rose at his press conference
Art Movement
Contemporary Realism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 2 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17732 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Lois O by Mervyn Bishop, 2008

2008 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 30 x 30 cm

Mervyn Bishop’s ‘Lois O’Donoghue’ captures Indigenous history & empowerment. Black & white portrait of influential figures, showcasing archival style & cultural significance.

View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #3: Lois O
Art Movement
Contemporary Realism
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 3 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$20231 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Children playing in river, Mumeka (1991) by Mervyn Bishop

1991 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 30 x 29 cm

This nostalgic black and white photograph by Mervyn Bishop captures children playing in a river. Discover this timeless piece today.

View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #4: Children playing in river, Mumeka
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 4 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$37732 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Mervyn Bishop: Couple on veranda, Coffs Harbour

2008 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 40 x 30 cm

A poignant black and white photograph by Mervyn Bishop capturing two men relaxing on a veranda in Coffs Harbour, offering a timeless glimpse into Australian life that you can bring to your collection.

View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #5: Couple on veranda, Coffs Harbour
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 5 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$18330 × 40 cm Commission at original size

Photography cadets with model, Sydney Morning Herald (1991) by Mervyn Bishop

1991 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 29 x 40 cm

This black and white photograph by Mervyn Bishop captures a training session in Sydney. Discover this iconic piece of Australian history today.

View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #6: Photography cadets with model, Sydney Morning Herald
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 6 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$18240 × 29 cm Commission at original size

Alan Judd, ABC trainee radio announcer, Sydney by Mervyn Bishop

2008 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 40 x 30 cm

This 1968 black and white portrait by Mervyn Bishop captures a young radio announcer in Sydney. Discover this iconic documentary photograph.

View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #7: Alan Judd, ABC trainee radio announcer, Sydney
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 7 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17731 × 32 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$18330 × 40 cm Commission at original size

School bus, Yarrabah by Mervyn Bishop, 2008

2008 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 30 x 40 cm

A poignant black and white photograph by Mervyn Bishop capturing the lively atmosphere of passengers traveling on a school bus in Yarrabah, offering a profound glimpse into Australian history for your collection.

View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #8: School bus, Yarrabah
Art Movement
Contemporary Realism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 8 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$18340 × 30 cm Commission at original size

Mervyn Bishop: Untitled.2 Boys posing, Tony Mundine

Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 2 x 3 cm
View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #9: Untitled.2 Boys posing, Tony Mundine
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 9 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17738 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Roslyn Watson by Mervyn Bishop

2008 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 40 x 30 cm

A captivating black and white portrait of Roslyn Watson captured by Mervyn Bishop in 2008, showcasing a serene natural setting that invites you to explore the timeless beauty of this photographic moment.

View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #10: Roslyn Watson
Art Movement
Contemporary Realism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 10 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$18330 × 40 cm Commission at original size

Bob (1991)

1991 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 30 x 30 cm
View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #11: Bob
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 11 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17731 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Womenfolk, Bowraville by Mervyn Bishop, 2008

2008 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 30 x 40 cm

A poignant black and white photograph by Mervyn Bishop capturing the quiet dignity of four women in Bowraville, offering a powerful glimpse into Indigenous Australian life that you can bring to your collection.

View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #12: Womenfolk, Bowraville
Art Movement
Contemporary Realism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 12 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$18340 × 30 cm Commission at original size

Cousins, Ralph and Jim, Brewarrina

2008 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 30 x 40 cm
View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #13: Cousins, Ralph and Jim, Brewarrina
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 13 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$18340 × 30 cm Commission at original size

Untitled (Terry Hie Hie, Moree NSW, picnic) by Mervyn Bishop

1988 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 2 x 3 cm
View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #14: Untitled (Terry Hie Hie, Moree NSW, picnic)
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 14 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Girl pours tea, Burnt Bridge (1991) by Mervyn Bishop

1991 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 30 x 40 cm
View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #15: Girl pours tea, Burnt Bridge
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 15 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$22737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$23340 × 30 cm Commission at original size

Mervyn Bishop: Untitled (Bellbrook NSW, man leaning on fence)

1988 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 2 x 3 cm
View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #16: Untitled (Bellbrook NSW, man leaning on fence)
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 16 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Jimmy Little - State Funeral Kwementyaye Perkins by Mervyn Bishop, 2000

2000 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 30 x 50 cm
View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #17: Jimmy Little - State Funeral Kwementyaye Perkins
Color Palette
Monochrome
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 17 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$19250 × 30 cm Commission at original size

The bus stop, Yalambie Reserve, Mt Isa

2008 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 30 x 40 cm

Witness everyday life in rural Australia through Mervyn Bishop’s ‘The Bus Stop’. A captivating black & white photo (30x40cm) capturing a moment of community. Explore Australian photography.

View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #18: The bus stop, Yalambie Reserve, Mt Isa
Art Movement
Photojournalism
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 18 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$18340 × 30 cm Commission at original size

Life and death dash (1991)

1991 · Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney · original 40 x 30 cm
View the most popular artwork of Mervyn Bishop ranked #19: Life and death dash
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 19 of 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$20227 × 37 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$20830 × 40 cm Commission at original size
The artist

Mervyn Bishop

born 1945

Portrait of Mervyn Bishop
Quick facts
  • Vibenostalgic
  • Top-ranked workPrime Minister Gough Whitlam pours soil into the hand of traditional land owner Vincent Lingiari
  • Movementscontemporary realism
  • Typical colorsespresso
  • Museums on APSArt Gallery of New South Wales, National Portrait Gallery
  • Born1945, Brewarrina, Australia
  • Art periodModern
  • Emotional tonenostalgic
Biography

A Pioneering Lens: The Life and Work of Mervyn Bishop

Mervyn Bishop’s journey as a photographer is more than just a career; it's a testament to breaking barriers, documenting history, and giving voice to Indigenous Australia. Born in Brewarrina, New South Wales, in 1945, his early life was shaped by the complexities of post-war Australia and the restrictive policies impacting Aboriginal communities. His father, “Minty” Bishop, a veteran and shearer, navigated a system that demanded assimilation for even those who had served the nation. This context – a family striving for normalcy while subtly resisting cultural erasure – would profoundly influence Bishop’s perspective and ultimately, his art. The spark ignited with his mother's Kodak 620 camera, transforming everyday scenes into cherished memories and laying the foundation for a lifelong passion. He honed his skills through self-teaching, capturing the essence of family life around Brewarrina before embarking on formal studies at Dubbo High School.

Breaking Ground: A Career Forged in Journalism

In 1962, Bishop shattered expectations by becoming the first Aboriginal Australian cadet photographer at the *Sydney Morning Herald*. This wasn’t merely a personal achievement; it was a symbolic dismantling of systemic exclusion within mainstream media. For seventeen years, he navigated the world of news photography, covering everything from community events to sporting triumphs. He completed his Photography Certificate Course at Sydney Technical College during this time, solidifying his technical expertise. Bishop's dedication and keen eye quickly earned him recognition, culminating in the prestigious Nikon-Walkley Australian Press Photographer of the Year award in 1971 for *Life and Death Dash*. This powerful image – a nun rushing to aid an Aboriginal child – wasn’t just a news photograph; it was a stark commentary on social inequalities and the often-fraught relationship between Indigenous communities and religious missions. The composition, contrast, and raw emotion resonated deeply, foreshadowing the profound impact his work would have on Australian society. He remained the sole indigenous photographer employed by the *Herald* throughout his tenure, paving the way for future generations of Aboriginal visual storytellers.

Documenting a Nation: The Department of Aboriginal Affairs Years

Bishop’s move to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs in 1974 marked a pivotal shift in his career. This role allowed him unprecedented access to Indigenous communities across Australia during a period of significant change and burgeoning self-determination. He became a chronicler of hope, documenting land rights negotiations, cultural revival movements, and the everyday lives of Aboriginal people with sensitivity and respect. It was here that he captured arguably his most iconic photograph: the 1975 image of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam handing soil back to Gurindji elder Vincent Lingiari at Wattie Creek. This moment – a symbolic act of land repatriation – transcended its immediate context, becoming an enduring emblem of the Australian land rights movement and a powerful testament to Indigenous resilience. The photograph wasn’t simply documenting an event; it was capturing the birth of a new era in Aboriginal-government relations.

Beyond the Image: Influence, Legacy, and Continued Impact

Mervyn Bishop's influence extends far beyond his individual photographs. He didn’t just document history; he actively shaped its narrative. His work challenged prevailing stereotypes, fostered empathy, and provided a platform for Indigenous voices often marginalized in mainstream media. He returned to the *Sydney Morning Herald* in 1979 before embracing freelance photography in 1986, working with agencies like National Geographic Society. He also dedicated himself to education, lecturing at Tranby Aboriginal College, Eora College, and the Tin Sheds Gallery at the University of Sydney, nurturing a new generation of Indigenous photographers. His retrospective exhibition, *In Dreams: Mervyn Bishop, Thirty Years of Photography 1960–1990*, curated by Tracey Moffatt, toured nationally and internationally for a decade, solidifying his place as a leading figure in Australian art and photojournalism. He further contributed to the cultural landscape as a stills photographer on Phil Noyce’s film *Rabbit Proof Fence* (2002). The Australia Council's Red Ochre Award in 2000 recognized his pioneering work, but perhaps his greatest legacy lies in the enduring power of his images and the inspiration he continues to provide. His recent retrospective at the Art Gallery of New South Wales further cemented his importance, showcasing not only his iconic photojournalism but also intimate family photographs that reveal the personal roots of his artistic vision.
  • Awards: Nikon-Walkley Australian Press Photographer of the Year (1971), Australia Council’s Red Ochre Award (2000).
  • Key Themes: Indigenous identity, social justice, land rights, cultural preservation.
  • Influences: His family history and experiences growing up in Brewarrina, the burgeoning Aboriginal rights movement of the 1970s.

Questions & Answers

Where can I see Mervyn Bishop's artworks in a 3D gallery?

A virtual visit is possible: the 3D Museum page of Mervyn Bishop presents the artist's works in a three-dimensional gallery.

How popular are Mervyn Bishop's artworks?

Statistics about Mervyn Bishop's works are available on the artist's Stats page.

How many artworks by Mervyn Bishop are available to browse?

You can browse 19 artworks by Mervyn Bishop on the All Artworks page.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Aug. 31, 2026
Collector's quiz
  1. In what year did Mervyn Bishop become the first Aboriginal Australian to work on a metropolitan daily newspaper?

  2. What award did Mervyn Bishop win in 1971?

  3. What iconic photograph did Mervyn Bishop take in 1975?

  4. For which department did Mervyn Bishop work as a staff photographer from 1974 to 1980?

  5. What was the significance of Bishop's photograph 'Life and Death Dash'?

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one You choose the size

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A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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Every artwork by Mervyn Bishop in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

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