Hypersonic Realism: The landscapes of Reg Mombassa is a stunning collection of over 200 iconic landscapes from beloved Australian artist and musician Christopher O’Doherty, aka REG MOMBASSA.

Good Reading caught up with Reg to find out what he’s been listening to, and which artists have influenced his work.

What was the name of the street you lived in as a child? 

Beach Road, Papakura, New Zealand.

What are your fondest memories of growing up there?  

We lived in an outer suburb of Auckland with farmland and clumps of native bush just over our back fences. Roaming around the wet fields, climbing trees and exploring the creeks and gullies in the area was a constant source of enjoyment.

Charcoal and coloured pencil on paper, 35 x 25cm, 2017

Did you have a pet? If so, what was its name? 

Yes, I had a grey cat called Pussy.

What was your first job? 

My first job was lawn mowing.

Was there a moment when you decided you wanted to be an artist and musician, or was it there throughout your childhood?

I drew keenly and continuously as a child, so in spite of briefly wanting to be a train driver or a truck driver, I pretty much always wanted to be an artist when I grew up.

Which artists and musicians have inspired your work? 

Probably too many to mention, but here are a few artists and musicians I have enjoyed: Bosch, El Greco, Goya, John Constable, Van Gogh, Monet, Max Beckman, Francis Bacon, Robert Crumb, Banksy, Martin Sharp, Margaret Preston and Robert Campbell jnr. For music: The Carter Family, Hank Williams, Hound Dog Taylor, the Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters, Bob Marley, Hendrix, Cream, Randy Newman and Ry Cooder.

Bush Suburb – Charcoal and coloured pencil on paper, 26 x 44.5cm, 2000

Who are your favourite artists right now? 

Mostly friends and family members but it would be nepotistic to name them. Best outside this group – I like the Chapman Brothers, William Kentridge, Sun Xun and John Mawurndjul at the moment.

Which musicians are you listening to at the moment? 

Aldous Harding and Jessica Pratt and revisiting Karen Dalton and Mississippi John Hurt.

You’ve had a long and successful career in the arts – how do you feel when you look back at your journey? 

I feel grateful that I’ve been able to make a living as an artist and musician, and I much appreciate being publicly acknowledged for my work. It is deeply satisfying to know that people have been entertained or inspired by my songs and pictures in a similar way to the enjoyment and influences I have derived from the work of others.