
Meet
Michael Armstrong
Research Student
Michael Armstrong is a figurative artist and photographer focused on conveying deep emotional expression through his work. His art explores themes such as love, loss, shame, and hope, often drawing from personal experiences, literature, and psychological symbolism. With a strong social conscience, Armstrong’s work engages with humanitarian issues, portraying the emotional depth of the human condition.
After serving in the Australian Army for 23 years, Armstrong transitioned into art full-time, using his unique background to address themes of service, sacrifice, and post-traumatic stress. His award-winning series, Voices of Veterans, has been exhibited across Australia, shedding light on the veteran experience through powerful, emotive imagery.
Now an Artist in Residence at the University of Canberra, Armstrong combines his expertise in engineering and the arts to challenge perceptions and explore the impact of robotics and AI on humanity. He continues to mentor artists and work from his studio, Mandala Studio, in Canberra, while pursuing a PhD.