Desmond Robert Leak

Place: Condobolin

Born: 1956

Death: 2017

Biography:

Desmond Robert Leak, also known as Bill Leak, was an Australian editorial cartoonist, caricaturist, and portraitist. Born in Condobolin, New South Wales, Australia in 1956, Leak's career spanned several decades until his passing in 2017.

Early Career and Notable Works

Leak's cartoons were first published in 1983 in The Bulletin, and he went on to work for The Sydney Morning Herald until 1994. He then joined News Limited, contributing to The Daily Telegraph-Mirror and later to The Australian. Leak's work was highly acclaimed, earning him numerous awards, including nine Walkley Awards and 19 Stanley Awards. He was also a finalist for the Archibald Prize nine times.

Awards and Recognition

Some of Leak's notable achievements include:

• Winning the Packing Room Prize twice
• Being a finalist for the Packing Room Prize six times
• Receiving nine Walkley Awards
• Earning 19 Stanley Awards

Controversies and Legacy

Leak's editorial cartoons often sparked controversy, with notable examples including a 2006 cartoon during the West Papuan refugee dispute and a 2015 cartoon depicting starving Indian people attempting to eat solar panels. Despite these controversies, Leak remains a celebrated figure in Australian art, with his work continuing to be showcased on platforms like Wikioo.org.

Comparison to Other Artists

Leak's style and technique can be compared to other notable artists, such as Vincent Van Gogh and Leonardo Da Vinci, whose works are also featured on Wikioo.org. For more information on these artists, visit Vincent Van Gogh and Leonardo Da Vinci on Wikioo.org. Leak's legacy continues to be celebrated through his work, which remains a significant part of Australian art history. His contributions to the field of editorial cartooning and caricature have left a lasting impact, inspiring future generations of artists. Visit Wikioo.org to explore more about Leak and other renowned artists.