• When: 19 May – 17 Jun 2025
• Where: Shepparton Library 41-43 Marungi Street
• Cost: Free
• Contact: 1300 374 765

Martin Shaw's painting 'Three Well Known Australians' is not just an artwork, but also a social experiment.

People from all walks of life have seen the three iconic figures and named who they think are, or what they represent.

Martin painted the 'Three Well Known Australians' in 1982 and created a guessing game that has engaged generations ever since. The painting has been touring the country since 1983. Visitors to the library are encouraged to view the painting and add their opinion on who each character in the painting represents.

Monday, May 19th to Tuesday 17th June

The public are encouraged to 'capture the spirit' of the Three Australians in the painting and write down their opinions into the 2025 Victorian yearbook. The names recorded in the yearbooks form a social commentary of the changing face of Australia. The yearbooks form a portrait of Australia.  The names recorded in the yearbooks now will be different from the 1980's, while the names recorded in the yearbooks 50 years into the future will be different again.

Also displayed in the exhibition are letters from a diverse range of Australians and foreign nationals with their opinions on the 'Three Australians'.