Shaun Tan (born 1973) is an acclaimed Australian artist, writer, and filmmaker known for his unique ability to weave narrative and imagery together. Among his most celebrated works are The Lost Thing, which won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2011, and the illustrated books The Red Tree and The Arrival. The Arrival, a wordless graphic novel published in 2006, received multiple awards, including Book of the Year at the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards and Picture Book of the Year from the Children’s Book Council of Australia.
Born in Fremantle and raised in the northern suburbs of Perth, Tan showed early talent in both drawing and storytelling, inspired by shows like The Twilight Zone and writers like Ray Bradbury. Initially considering a career in genetics or science, he ultimately followed his passion for art, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts, English Literature, and History from the University of Western Australia.
Tan’s style is often described as an “Australian vernacular” — simultaneously familiar and strange, comforting and unsettling. His recurring themes of loss, alienation, and natural justice resonate deeply with readers of all ages. In 2011, he was awarded the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the world’s largest prize for children’s literature.
To encourage young talent, the City of Subiaco sponsors the annual Shaun Tan Award for Young Artists, open to Perth school children aged 5 to 17, celebrating creativity in two-dimensional art.
Shaun Tan remains a profoundly original voice in contemporary art, telling powerful stories through silent yet evocative imagery.
© 2025. All content on this magazine is protected by international copyright laws All images are copyrighted © by Shaun Tan or assignee. Apart from fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, the use of any image from this magazine is prohibited unless prior written permission is obtained. All images used for illustrative purposes only
Leave a comment