For Setken's origin story read below.

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Beginnings

Late last century, I was faced with a choice. I was living in Adelaide and had been accepted into both the Centre For the Performing Arts as an actor, and the Stanley Street School Of Art in visual art. I chose the former and my artistic life pursuing theatre commenced. 

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In the years following graduation I worked as an actor, theatre company manager and theatre artist. 

 

In November 2010 a lifelong desire to visit Egypt was realized. By the beginning of 2012 my urge to paint again was so great that I picked up a paintbrush and painted for the first time in over 20 years. I have not stopped since.

 

I describe my paintings as “Nouveau Kemetic”, “Neo Kemetic”, "Pharaonic Surrealism" and “Neo Pharaonic”. All of these terms speak to the inherent Ancient Egyptian themes that my paintings centre upon and the new take on those themes also. I am fine with people thinking of my style as a form of Ancient Egyptian Fan Art.

 

I am known professionally as Setken. I use this mononym as my painting moniker and for all public interfacing, including my talks. Setken is also the brand name of my art, with the cartouche logo being my trademark and signature.

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Early days: The Blake Prize and The Director's Cut

 Three of my paintings were selected for the non-prize winning arm of the Blake Prize For Religious and Spiritual Art called "The Director's Cut". The Blake Prize has since undergone a change in administration and from the 65th Blake Prize the Director's Cut is no longer a part of the competition.

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In the 62nd Blake Prize (2013) the works selected were  Winged Set and The Artist As Beloved Of Heru And Set. In the 64th (2016) Blake Prize Director's Cut my painting This Has All Happened Before And This Will All Happen Again, was selected. This painting is also featured on the cover of an academically published book by Egyptologist Dr. Paul Harrison, Profane Egyptologists.

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In 2024 I was offered a residency at Dunmoochin Estate - Clifton Pugh's illustrious artist colony in Cottle's Bridge. However, circumstances at the time meant that I had to decline.

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Two great publishing events occurred in 2024: my painting Nehebukau And The Ocean Of Reassurance was published in The Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities by Dr. Tamara Suida, under the listing for Nehebukau, as well as references to my work under Sepa and Abyt. And in August I was a featured artist in Jimmy Hornet Magazine Volume 6, a unique glossy publication made in Melbourne about creatives for everyone.

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My exhibitions:

Neo Pharaonic 2018 ​

My debut exhibition Neo Pharaonic was staged in February 2018. A documentary was made about it that won some prizes in short film festivals in the US Short Film Festival Circuit. Neo Pharaonic featured 24 of my paintings and was staged over 3 days in Prahran (inner city suburb of Melbourne)

Adventures In Zoomorphic Idolatry 2023

In July 2023 I staged Adventures In Zoomorphic Idolatry in Brunswick East (in Melbourne). 14 paintings including previously unseen works, as well as talks and screenings of some of my films, made the event popular.

Garden Party 2025

By far my most successful exhibition, this event was held at my house and studio with the entire property (including outdoors) set up as a gallery of 55 works. It was a one day only event in April and we had unusually glorious weather for it.​​​

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Egyptomania / Egyptian Reception Studies, and the Syme Tomb​

Egyptomania (or how the phenomena of Ancient Egypt is expressed in our modern world) is another great interest. I am a member of the ISSE, and am lucky to live in Melbourne where there are 3 rather spectacular Egyptianized funerary monuments. I have painted all 3, but the extraordinary tomb of David and Annabella Syme in Kew cemetery has been a special focus as it is truly unique.

 

After many years of research, I have uncovered a plethora of historically and culturally significant information which I present public talks about. A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne is currently enjoying being hosted across many Melbourne venues. The presentation was included in the 2025 Open House Melbourne program.

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Today​

My painting Winged Sekhmet was featured on the label for a craft beer called Sekhmet's Rage by Bacchus Brewing in Queensland. I featured a beer tasting in my Garden Party exhibition event and it was a welcome addition to a successful day. It was a really excellent brew too!

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After seven years of researching David and Annabella Syme's tomb in Kew Cemetery and doing talks about it, I have begun writing a book. It discusses the historical David Syme and examines more closely the alternative spirituality movements that occured during his lifetime, in which he shared an interest. A thorough analysis of the tomb including new / forgotten information is presented, and culminates in a discussion about the spiritual life of the man for whom it was built.

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I have written the narrative and game play for a computer game that features my art called The Book Of The Divine Insects. I am developing this as a board game also.

 

I have created an oracle deck and looking at creating it commercially.

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​​I have a deep interest in the elements of the soul that I refer to as soul anatomy, most especially as expressed by the Ancient Egyptians. My paintings address this across many works. 

 

I consider myself an amateur Egyptologist and study hieroglyphics to this end. As well as pharaonic history, I am also interested in modern Egyptian history, especially the first Egyptian Prime Minister Saad Zaghloul. (I am finding it difficult to find books about him in English so if anyone knows of any, please let me know!!!)

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​I was previously an amateur bodybuilder and continue my fitness training after leaving a long career in the fitness industry. I am finishing making a documentary that focuses on the year I entered 4 competitions in bodybuilding and fitness; I am hoping to complete this later in 2025.

 

I use alternative therapies like salt therapy, red and infrared light, and aromatherapy. I have a great interest in art history, artist biography, and Melbourne's history.

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August 2025

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