Melissa Beowulf
Master of Art
The Sleek Geek!
George Lambert’s Self Portrait with Gladioli is the perfect vehicle for illustrating Adam Spencer’s right to the title of “Sleek Geek.” Listening to Spencer on Triple J, I thought of him as the “thinking woman’s sex symbol," making being smart attractive and cool. In the portrait, I’ve exchanged Lambert’s cravat for Spencer’s beloved “Swannies” scarf, and added a “Bucky Ball” to represent not only his mathematical prowess but also his dedicated coaching of the Sydney University Women’s Soccer Team. The vase has been replaced by a trophy to symbolise his past achievements in international debating and speaking and, finally, he is holding a packet of Wet Ones and a bag of used nappies to represent his favourite job, as father to his two little daughters.