Tom Polo’s works are both mirror and portal

Tom Polo’s paintings have a distinctly human, yet otherworldly quality to them. Drawing from conversations, secrets exchanged in the studio, or simply beginning with a feeling, each work becomes a record of human connection, a moment shared between subject and artist that later fosters a connection between artwork and viewer, where recognition and reflection might unfold. Disappearing into huge washes of colour and gestural markings, viewers may be reminded of a feeling, a familiar shirt, or the way their favourite person cranes their neck when they laugh.

Generously welcoming MAF into his studio, Tom shared his ways of working, and his fascination with psychological mirroring: the subtle (and not so subtle) ways people who spend a lot of time together tend to take on each other’s rhythms and idiosyncrasies.

STATION (Naarm/Melbourne, Gadigal Country/Sydney) will present new works from Tom Polo at Melbourne Art Fair 2026. Tickets on sale now.