Dillon, 19, has had a passion for drawing since a very young age, and fostered this interest through home schooling – or “unschooling” as he puts it.

“Unschooling gave me the opportunity to learn at my own pace and focus on the things that really interested me. Drawing and art have always been a really big part of my life and my learning,” he said. 

Dillon said there hasn’t been a day go by since he was around three that he hasn’t drawn, but that he likes to draw things not conventionally child-like.

“I have always been attracted to a bleaker side of storytelling - series like Sandman by Neil Gaiman and The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman. I have also loved the artworks of Shaun Tan.

“This first solo exhibition I have called Dystopian Playground.

“Dystopia refers to a community or society that is undesirable or frightening. Through this exhibition of my work I reflect an uglier side of humanity. The works celebrate the grotty, griminess of everyday life. 

“While this work may not appeal to everyone, I believe that the concept of a dystopian society is prevalent among younger people. There is a reality to some of these darker environments and characters that have a significant impact on young people and the environment today.”

Dillon creates his pieces with black microns and watercolours and enjoys working in fine detail.

“I like raw, imperfect drawing and so you will find a splodge here and there on most of my pieces. This gives each piece a realness that I like to embrace rather than try to fix up.”

Dystopian Playground will be hanging at Spiral Gallery, Church St Bega, until January 16.