Unveiled

by Vincent Fantauzzo

Raised amid poverty and violence on the poor streets of Melbourne, Vincent Fantauzzo was just a boy when he accepted he would either die very young, become a gangster or end up behind bars. Tormented by a troubled home life and dismissed as a simpleton at school where he struggled to read and write, Vincent projected a violent and frightening persona as a means of self-protection. Inside that tough exterior, however, lived a thoughtful, sensitive and creative boy whose only wish was to be loved – and to one day break free of the intergenerational dysfunction he seemed doomed to inherit. He could never have imagined how far his dream of a better life – and an uncanny knack for drawing – would take him.

Virtually illiterate, Vincent used forged papers to hustle his way into art school where dark secrets threatened to sink his brilliant career before it even began. Today his work hangs in galleries around the world including the National Portrait Gallery and Federal Parliament House in Canberra. He’s sold out international exhibitions, won the Archibald Prize People’s Choice Award more times than any artist and taken out the Doug Moran Portrait Prize. Twice.

Arguably Vincent’s most impressive and important achievement is his survival and the remarkable, sometimes ridiculous and occasionally glamorous, life he willed into existence despite severe and undiagnosed dyslexia that left him with no formal education and debilitating memory problems. Sometimes tragic, often hilarious but always deeply moving, Unveiled is a paint-spattered, star-studded, white-knuckle ride from the Housing Commission ghettos of Australia to the art galleries of Hong Kong, through the back roads of India and into the nightclubs of New York as Vincent chases his dream with humility, humour and a boundless love for people and a life better lived.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Tiarne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unveiled by Vincent Fantauzzo is an immensely powerful and inspiring memoir that offers readers a rare and intimate look into the life of one of Australia's most celebrated artists. From a childhood shaped by hardship and adversity to a renowned career in the art world, Fantauzzo’s story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the transformative power of art.

What makes Unveiled especially compelling is its underlying message of hope. Fantauzzo encourages readers to embrace their own journeys, no matter how difficult, and to trust in the power of persistence and passion. His memoir stands as a reminder that success is not only about talent but also about the will to keep moving forward in the face of adversity.

In summary, Unveiled is a captivating and uplifting read. It’s a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced obstacles, pursued a dream, or sought solace in creativity. Fantauzzo’s story is one of profound transformation and is bound to inspire readers to believe in their own potential, no matter the odds.

[Nellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-felt memoir detailing the tragedy, the amazing achievements, the anger, the love, the surprising friendships and the ever-evolving personal and professional growth of one of Australia’s most accomplished artisits. I listened to the audio version and the narration by Richard Roxburgh was perfection. I love Vincent’s art and I am inspired by his story. While I am neither dyslexic nor taken a creative professional path, my soul was touched by Vincent’s truth-telling about education systems and societal structures that make life for those who fall outside the ‘norm’ - quite frankly a nightmare! I can only imagine the great comfort and inspiration this story will have for those enduring tumultuous family dynamics, battling learning difficulties and/or those wishing to pursue life as a professional creative. I am in awe of VIncent’s life so far and can’t wait to see what happens next. To date - my favourite read (listen really!) of the year!

[Jim KABLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artist Gives Thanks

I watched the ABC’s Australian Story on Monday night and pre-ordered Vincent’s book which arrived an hour or so later as time moved into Tuesday. It is now Wednesday afternoon and I have just finished reading his extraordinary memory - shaped but not determined by dyslexia - and by an absolutely panoply of characters whose names are quite frankly famous - and by his artistic talents. There is much more to this story - I highly, highly recommend Unveiled by Vincent Fantauzzo.

[Leonie Youngberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Richard Roxburgh . I love coming across autobiographies about people about whom I know little but have such interesting lives. This was one of those books and it was excellent - can highly recommend.

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this so much . Fantastic narration on audiobook . I thought I knew a bit about Vincent after watching his interview on Australian Story and listening to a podcast about his Archibald prize winning art and deep diving in to Internet . But this memoir blew me away. What a life !! The parts about his relationship ( or lack of ) with his Dad are so raw and honest and really broke me . His struggles with severe Dyslexia, the internal shame he carried and how he hid this for most of his life just moved me so much. But there is humour, inspiration, fascinating stories of mentors and people who come in to his life at just the right time . There is heartache and trauma but also joy and love. One of the best books of the year so far !

[Sarah Groube · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping story of success in a field not easy to crack, but crack it he did.

The first part of the book was violent and difficult to read, utterly not enjoyable. But it provided important context and explained the fairytale that was to come. No overnight success, but I suspect some might see him that way.

A good simple read, that contains plenty of complexity and inspiration.

[Carmen Mauchline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It was an incredible insight into a remarkable human. It has literally changed my husband’s life and my ability to understand the world for people with dyslexia and ADHD. Thank you

[Nicola Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, poignant, contemplative, I couldn't put this memoir down.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vincent Fantauzzo is probably mostly known for his portrait of Heath Ledger that was finished after the actor's death. It seems a shame to boil him down to that one act since he's lived such an eventful life.

He had a rough childhood, his family moving from one rental to another just to stay off the streets, all the while being dyslexic. An angry kid who constantly got into fights, into trouble with the law, all while trying to find something more to his life.

It's a fascinating read seeing him go from selling weed on the streets and avoiding the wrath of local mobsters to painting the portrait of Australia's first female Prime Minister.

You don't have to appreciate art to enjoy this memoir, it's honest and brutal and Fantauzzo comes across as very likeable when owning his achievements and acknowledging his failures.

On a personal note I visited his gallery where he gave a talk about his life and this book and he comes across even more charming in person.

[Jan Finkelstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great read.

[Nicole B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this read by Richard Roxburgh, an interesting and colourful account of an artists rise despite an array of challenges. What was going on in the education system to let this kid fall through the cracks over and over again, heartbreaking. I would have liked further exploration into some aspects of the book although it opened my eyes to the blatant exploitation and bias in the 'art world' - do better 'art world'!

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most amazing autobiography I’ve ever read. So well written, I was captivated from the moment I began. Vincent Fantauzzo is an incredible human who has experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows, I was so touched by this book and know it will stay with me for a very long time.

[Lauren Lemai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I inhaled this book, I was immediately hooked. What a stunningly beautiful and heartbreaking read. I loved every second of reading this book. An incredible example of resilience and heart.

[BookWorldClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was our book club pick, and I went in not really knowing much about Vincent Fantauzzo — other than that he was Asher Keddie’s husband. I was completely captivated.

I listened to the audiobook in a single day and the narration was outstanding. His story is heartfelt, raw, and inspiring — from the recklessness of his youth, to his self-belief, to everything he’s achieved since. It’s a memoir that pulls you right in and doesn’t let go.

After finishing, I went back and watched both of his Australian Story episodes (2019 and 2025), which made his journey even more powerful. Our book club has even decided to plan an excursion to Brisbane to see the Crystalbrook Vincent hotel, where over 500 of his works are displayed.

I really enjoyed this memoir. It’s an incredible life story, and I hope he writes another one in twenty years’ time to tell us what’s happened since.

[Vanessa Hollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this on audible - narrated by Richard Roxburgh.
Powerful story of an incredible artist, I cried in parts but it was worth it.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best memoir I've read in a long time, due to the depth of insight and unconvential life path. I wasn't very familiar with Vincent's work but it was fascinating to learn about his upbringing on the gritty streets of Melbourne's inner north, his challenging relationship with his dad, dealing with dyslexia and the machinations of entering the Archibald prize. I am wary of name-dropping in memoirs but Vincent illustrated the impact that others have had on his life. He is also honest and vulnerable about neurodiversity, which helps to understand his life story.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read. I had no idea who Vincent Fantauzzo was before I read this book. Through all the ups, and downs which were like falling off a cliff until Vincent's life starts to right itself. This book has you hooked from page 1 and even acknowledgements. From beginning to end Vincent shows us his honesty.

Well earned 5 star rating.

[Kylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt memoir. Enjoyed reading it. Amazing story of survival and rags to riches. Would recommend.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Ultimate triumph against adversity. A must read for anyone who's neurodiverse or no someone who is, or people with hidden disabilities. The only difference between Vincent and probably 90% of the prison population is sheer luck.

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book and found it hard to put down. Vincent is a beautiful story teller, both on canvass and now in print as well. He has lived such an interesting life, and managed to tell his story with vulnerability, wit and rawness - I was absolutely absorbed from start to finish

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Vincent for baring your soul.
Brilliant audio book with one of my favourites Richard Roxburgh narrating.

[Meg Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful uplifting memoir

[Ann Koenig · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing memoir of this artist who overcame so much to succeed

[Rachel McHattan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vincent Fantauzzo has a fascinating story. He deserves all the success that he has and it is shameful that he has not won the Archibald - more fool them.

[Book Compulsion · Rating 4 out of 5]

After listening to Vincent speak with Annabel Crabb, I was deeply moved and felt compelled to read his book. I picked it up yesterday and finished it today, devouring it like a ravenous animal afraid to lose the momentum of his story. There is an urgency to his voice that makes it impossible to turn away.

As a teacher who works with students who share many of the same challenges Vincent faced, I felt a profound empathy for him. His story stands as a testament to what is possible with grit, determination, and an unwavering creative spark. Art became both his refuge and his salvation, a lifeline that allowed him to translate chaos into beauty.

Yet as I turned the final pages, I was left with the sense that Vincent still has a journey ahead of him. Beneath his remarkable success lies a man still reckoning with his past, still wrestling with acceptance and accountability. His anger toward his father is palpable, but so too is the complex truth that his father, in his own damaged way, was also simply surviving. So many of the people in Vincent’s story seem to have been caught in that same current of survival, doing what they could with what little emotional capacity they had.

Vincent’s instinct for bluff and charm, his ability to navigate the world through subterfuge, is both his armour and his art form. Even when his dyslexia and other neurodiverse experiences came to light, he continued to find ways to protect himself, pretending, masking, adapting. People are drawn to him, perhaps because they sense the magnetism of the wounded artist, but also because his rawness and contradictions make him deeply human.

Throughout the book, Vincent speaks about wanting to give back, to be of service, perhaps through his art. Yet I was left wondering if that step has truly begun. I hope he listens to Asher’s wise suggestion—to seek a trauma-informed path forward, not to relive his pain endlessly, but to make peace with it and allow it to inform something greater. Real healing and service need not involve fame or fanfare.

In many ways, “Unveiled” feels like a story written for others more than for himself. But perhaps that is its quiet power. In the act of revealing, even imperfectly, Vincent has already begun to heal.

You are worthy, Vincent. Accept that truth, and keep moving forward.

I see you Gary!

[Farrells Bookshop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vincent Fantauzzo’s memoir 'Unveiled' will most certainly be my favourite read for 2025.

This deeply moving story begins in the rough outer suburbs of Melbourne, with a young Vincent struggling with a troubled home life and undiagnosed Dyslexia. While projecting a tough and sometimes violent identity to survive this existence, Vincent’s true nature lies hidden in his expanding abilities as an artist and his dreams of escaping this difficult life.

'Unveiled' takes you on a turbulent ride with all the feels. Amongst the constant hustle to keep moving forward and not get “found out”, and the often hilarious and honest encounters with some very glamourous folk, Vincent remained inspired and driven in his pursuit of connection with those he painted and being true to his art.

Read by Tenniell

[Corri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started so well but about halfway through it became a bit self indulgent and name droppy. Everything seemed to emphatic … like “he was my best friend” or “it was the best day of my life” or “that moment changed my life” for so so many different events throughout the book. Someone also told me to take what Vincent said with a grain of salt so my cynical spidey senses were up. This probably seems harsh because the first half really was so good. And I respect and admire him for the challenges he’s overcome. But I just feel like it was a bit unbelievable and the inauthenticity of that feels hypocritical.

[Melie Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖: Vincent Fantuzzio’s rock-star life, rubbing shoulders with the rich, famous and powerful, seems like a complete fluke. His memoir was fascinating and his immense artistic talent has allowed him to forge a path away from his dysfunctional childhood in an incredibly interesting (*make this into a movie*) tale. Every page was a mix between candid confessionals and a who’s who of Australian (and international) fame and power. The only way I could have loved it more is if there were MORE pictures. 🖼️

[Kerry I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rarely do I write a review, however Vincent's story is inspiring.
What a journey you took us on, you made me laugh and cry.
Your story is continuing and it is lovely you have such amazing family and friends around you.
Michael was right, your story needed to be told and you will help and inspire others.
Thank you, think I may have just finished my all time favourite read.

[Morgan]

I always struggle rating memoirs. I really enjoyed this and think Vincent has obviously made an amazing life for himself through his art. There was just something about the constant name dropping that I struggled to come back from though.