
Robbie Ornig’s artistic journey began in the suburbs of Sydney, but his world quickly expanded far beyond. Studying art at Deakin University in Melbourne and further honing his craft with a scholarship at Yonsei University in Korea, Robbie has embraced the diversity of cultures, landscapes, and experiences that have shaped his creative expression. His education also spans high school years in both Australia and Japan, giving him a unique perspective on art and life.
For nearly a decade, Robbie has dedicated himself to teaching, sharing the joy of art with beginners. His passion lies in making art accessible, guiding his students to find their own creative voices. Robbie’s work is deeply inspired by the multitude of places he has called home, having lived in 54 different locations across the globe, including Prague, Budapest, Seoul, Ljubljana, Villach, Belgrade, Osaka, Fujieda, Wellington, Auckland, Sydney, and Melbourne. Whether on farms, along coastlines, in high-rises, or megamansions, each place has left its mark on his art.
As a gay man, Robbie creates expressionist pieces that explore the male form and the complex emotions of men, drawing from his own experiences and observations. He shies away from the label of “artist,” preferring simply to say, “I do art.” For Robbie, art is not just a profession—it’s a way of living, a reflection of his world travels, and a means of exploring human emotions in their rawest forms.