Observing and learning from a life well-lived, or one of resilience in turbulent times is nourishing. I particularly reach for a book if it will be coloured by ideas on art, family, and identity. All these layers, the chiaroscuro (balance of light and dark) if you will, guided me to Unveiled by Vincent Fauntazzo published in 2025.
I was intrigued although some part of me expected, unfairly, a story about an egotistical artist. Boy, was I wrong. Unveiled is vulnerable and unconventional. Vincent’s story is about living with hope and ambition even when the world gave him many reasons not to.
Vincent’s Australian story (he was literally on the ABC show, in 2019 and 2025) is incredible. From an early age he feels that things should be better than they are. His Mum provides for him and his siblings by the skin of her teeth, but Dad is dependably elsewhere. Vincent was poor, neglected, and with the threat of violence, crime and abuse he was on the offense from the jump. As a kid he was quick with a rage response, be scarier than the scary people. But, when he picks up a pencil, though he can’t write or read well, it’s the beginning of life as an artist. Unbeknownst to him being good at art will mean a future of freedom, fame, and connection.
Funnily, his first “artwork” to turn a profit was a realistic drawing of a $50 note. Handing it over to some disinterested teenager at the showground he got $45 back. He won real cash, and maybe a taste for a good transaction. Later his art would transport him into the film world, the Archibald Prize, major exhibitions and commissions, and exotic international adventures.
While he has a rough start his young adult life is riotous. Vincent fell in with a cool and creative crowd (to name drop a few) N’Fa Jones, Rashad Haughton, Aliyah, Heath Ledger and Baz Luhrmann. As he reminisces in the book, we appreciate his value of friendship and chosen family. So, while his Dad was absent, many do show up for Vincent in adult life; be it on motorcycle rides, boxing together before the workday starts or just talking.
Vincent communicates with influence but as a young person he had undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD. In the book he offers a vulnerable account of this journey as a kid and adult. For all the frustrations, hiccups on the scale of no big deal to serious, living as a neurodivergent person he says;
“Whenever I talk to parents it’s important that they know there are great things that come with being dyslexic: in my case I believe I have heightened empathy and understanding of people, excellent problem-solving abilities and sharpened instincts for what might be termed ‘street smarts.’
Obviously one of the major gifts dyslexia has given me is an elevated ability in art. Outside of the boxing ring , the only time I can move very fluidly and in a more advanced way than other people is with a paint-brush. It provides a huge emotional counterbalance to all the other crap that makes my life hard.”
Vincent’s story-telling is direct, like you’re listening to your mate tell an epic tale with the candour, self-deprecating humour, and intimacy you would only lend a close confidante. And, this is true; being dyslexic meant that Vincent worked with a writer speaking about the intimate details of his life on the phone for hours, he also used a text/reading app and his wife helped in the editing this honest account. It is heartening to hear a story of grit, hope and persistence. Vincent embodies the idea ‘fall down 7 times get up 8’ whether it be getting through school, making money, finishing university, or growing a career in a fickle industry.
If this book sounds like a lot, you’re right. Unveiled floors it.