Nikky’s recent works feature in our Byron Bay group show Touch Wood.

Regarding Nikky Morgan's work, Dr. Cornelius Delaney writes:  ‘Recent work by emerging artist Nikky Morgan-Smith is provocative and energetic.  Her use of layered mixed media is complex and the paint is applied in a bold, almost careless way that relishes gesture.  Her surfaces are deeply layered in some areas and impoverished in others, bringing about a sense of lingering unease.  Abandoned tricycles, ghost birds, rain and bathtubs full of what could be hair are redolent of grief or a lost childhood.  This visual poetry seems at first mundane, then sinister, then somehow beautiful. The Touch Wood show hangs until March 3, if you haven’t already come for a visit, it is a must see!

This interview is an excerpt from InRetrospect 11, to be released soon.

Right now I am…
on a flight home from Melbourne

At the moment I am working on…
showering more creatures in my bath room

In the last year I have challenged myself to…
move on

My proudest moment this year was…
dealing with turning 31

My biggest mistake this year was…
getting booked speeding while on probation and loosing my licence

When I’m stuck for ideas I usually…
look back to the future…at themes and concepts I was working on.

I have always been fascinated by artists that…
can balance a life AND have an art practice.

If I were to try my hand at a new art form, it would be…
sand castles…because fall they into the sea eventually.

When I was a child I dreamt of…
monsters under my bed

My first job was…
cutting up onions at a kebab joint, I became a vegetarian after watching those big lumps of meat defrosting next to me!

My first love was…
Rupert Campbell Black, a character from a crappy English airport novel. I used to dream about him then wake up and be disappointed he didn’t exist.

The first piece of art I ever bought was…
I’ve never actually bought an art work, but in the past I’ve swapped paintings with other artists.

My favourite record cover of all time is…
Frank Zappa ‘ Wakka Jawaka’ because it’s got a sink on the cover.

If I could see any musician (past or present) performing live, it would be…
Biggy Smalls. ’Oooh biggy give me one more chance’

In the film of my life I would like to be played by…
Geoffrey Rush because despite being a male he is the only one who could pull off the smouldering intelligence and witty post-modern humour that I aspire to.

My Avatar would be…
this life is enough-

My guiltiest pleasure this year has been…
driving unlicensed

If I am cooking for myself I…
try and eat all 5-food groups

My last meal would be…
naked

The last thing I do before I go to bed each night, is…
eat chocolate

I am currently reading…
a questionnaire

If I could be a mythical creature I would be…
a toonacorn

The best gift I have ever received was…
computer heated gloves which also happens to be the worst gift.

My Grandmother always said…
cut a nice little fringe to hide your large forehead and always look nice and be tidy and it might not be too late for you to find a husband.

If I was offered a billion dollars on the condition I had to give it all away, I would…
run.

If I was heading off around the world and could only take three things with me, I would pack…
that billion dollars, some dark sunglasses and a fake moustache.

If air travel was no longer possible I would…
finally relax because I hate flying.

If I was a super hero I would be…
David Bowie

And my costume would be…
Ziggy Stardust.

If my art could work for a worthy cause, I would dedicate it to…
The Fred Hollows Foundation.

If I had to leave everything behind and flee to another country, I hope that when I arrived I found…                 acceptance and tolerance.

The thing I loved about the 20th Century was…
apparently the 20th century was the most destructive century so I guess the thing I love about it is that it is over.

If I could live in any one period of time, I would choose…
to travel with Doctor Who.

The most valuable lesson I have learned this year is…
be kind to your mother.

The craziest thing I have done this year was…
getting a Bunnings worm farm.

If I were to get a tattoo anytime soon, it would be…
an anchor.

When I think about the GFC, I…
gamble.

The rise of graphic art makes me think…
I should dress in black and learn to use Photoshop.

I found the Bill Henson debate…
typically distorted and full of fear and witch-hunting.

I do think artists have a responsibility to push the boundaries and…
make people think.

They say fact is stranger than fiction because…
the majority of the population has no imagination.

If I wasn’t so busy making art I would like to…
have a job where I get paid enough to not live like an endlessly ‘emerging’ and starving artist.

In the next year I hope to achieve…
something!!!

Simon Roots is an emerging Queensland artist working and residing in Brisbane.  He completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2006.  As part of his degree, he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia during 2004.  As well as devoting much of his time to his art practice, Roots has since gone on to teach art at the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE.  He has been selected as a finalist in several national art awards including 2008 LAUNCH Clayton Utz Travelling Art Scholarship, the 2008 Heysen Prize for Interpretation of Place, and has four times been a selected finalist in the Churchie Emerging Art Exhibition.  In 2006 he won first prize in the St Joseph’s Nudgee College Art Festival.

Roots’ recent works focus on the exploration of the figure in the urban landscape, and the relationships people have with their physical and psychological environment.  Roots says “I like to explore the themes that help us construct our version of reality and how varied these ideas can be.  The viewer has an opportunity to interpret and apply their own narratives to the subject of the artworks”.

See his artist profile here...

For those of you who have been kind enough to wait, we actually have available luscious new work by one of favourite (and busiest!) artists Shane Martin. His works have been dissapearing off our walls in NSW and QLD faster than he can make them. With over 100 hours of work in each piece, these magnificent works shimmer with possibility. We only have two peices available so if you love his work, please contact us quickly! You can see his profile here.

I have been in LOVE since our 'Blind Date' over 30years ago. Shirley was the inspiration for the first LOVE piece, which has now become my most successful series to date. I wanted to create something simple in concept, but also containing a message the theme of LOVE, and incorporating all the emotions associated with it. Passion, Respect, Honour, Truth, Desire, Intimacy and Integrity. Each piece is Hand Engraved, Hand Coloured and Hand Polished a true labour of LOVE.

I still get a buzz each time that 'Wet Look' shine evolves during the polishing process, showcasing those deep, almost edible, Toffee Apple Red colours.When a person stops for just a moment to view and reflect on a piece I have created, I believe I have succeeded in my work.

Exhibition:        SIMON MEE:  CHALK & CHARCOAL

Opening:         6pm FRIDAY 18th March 2011

To be opened by:    

Exhibition runs through till 31 March 2011


What of Woody Allen, his (and his characters’) absurd misadventures-
Well, they are a resounding success is what!  Likewise, visual artist Simon Mee’s success lies in humanities’ inherent imperfections.

We all get it, we all feel it or have felt it at one time…mumble under your breath, left out in the open, awkward, embarrassing failure. Or worse yet, not even being noticed! Despite your resounding intellect, self-affirmations and best intentions, you are still human.
 
What would Woody Allen think if he knew Simon Mee had used his name to embody a million beautiful failings of the “Less than ideal” human, without needing to actually explain them-

Having completed a Masters Degree in Visual Arts and being a University Lecturer stands Simon in good stead to make comment.  Simon has received grants from the Australia Council and Arts Queensland to produce new work, and has been the recipient of several art awards including the Churchie Emerging Art Award and the Logan Art Award.
 
Join Simon Mee on his expedition of narrative as he creates an experience that is much like a journey - mixing sincerity, allegory, humour and horror to create mechanisms for a shift in meaning. The source images for Simon’s intriguing works, skillfully executed in chalk and charcoal, are gleaned from old images, photos, postcards and illustrations.  The artist pieces together images with a sophisticated humour that cleverly keeps the viewer off-balance but still manages elicit an instinctual reaction or idea.
 
You won’t find a drawing of Woody Allen at this show, but you may find the ‘Woody Allen within’…

Retrospect Galleries QLD is one of the youngest and most exciting fine art galleries in Queensland. Located in a new architecturally designed premise at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.  Featuring 124 square metres of exhibition space, we are located on the ground floor of The Oracle, a five star designer beachside precinct.   The Gallery represents a collaboration between Retrospect founder Bree Delian and respected Queensland art consultant Lorraine Pilgrim.

The Exhibition Chalk and Charcoal opens on Friday March 18, Check it out here...

Exhibition:        Deb Mostert:  Honestly!

Opening:         6pm FRIDAY 18th March 2011


Exhibition runs through till 31 March 2011, check out the exhibition here...


Kitsch (not to be confused with Quiche) within the visual arts is associated with images that convey excessive sentimentality and melodrama.
Snow domes, swizzle sticks and fridge magnets are the epitome of popular kitsch and are cheap and whimsical holiday souvenirs.  They are honestly kitsch, honestly ugly and honestly dishonest.  Snow domes are a poor reflection of the original and they make no claim to be anything other than a flawed imitation of something bigger, grander and purer.

We are seeing life through the glass darkly, a clunky imperfect version of what it should be.  They seem to the artist Deb Mostert, to be reminiscent of the human condition, a metaphor for our incompleteness, our dorky charm and potential as well as an acknowledgement of our frailty and the hope for the future.

In 2009 Deb won the Sponsors Prize for the Eutick Memorial Still Life Awards, in that year she was also the recipient of the New Generation People Choice Awards.

2010 was a stellar year for Mostert, being a finalist in the Duke Gold Coast Art Prize, the Redlands Art Awards, the prestigious Eutick Memorial Still Life Award, the Sunshine Coast Art Prize and the 2010 Northern Rivers Portrait Prize, Lismore Regional Gallery; just to name a few!

Deb Mostert’s beautifully executed works bring with them an instant warmth, a familiarity akin to an old friend or accidentally finding your favourite childhood trinket in an old box of junk.  There is magic in the fact that these worthless objects can hold so much personal significance and in an instant, can transport us to a time of innocence, purity and simplicity. In that instant, we remember and we connect.

An evening with Deb Mostert  - Objects Speak! Thursday 17th March 6pm

Join us for an intimate evening of tapas and wine with Deb Mostert as she shares some insights into her 20-year art practice and in particular, her recent still life paintings of humble objects and toys. Process and concept will be explored and shared through the presentation of a lively slideshow of key images from her still life collection.

This event is limited to 30 guests and will sell out. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are $40 and includes mixed tapas, wine and great company. Phone the gallery now on (07) 5538 8825 to secure your place.

Retrospect Galleries, Broadbeach is located at the corner of Elizabeth Street and Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach, on the Gold Coast.

The new Gallery features 124 square metres of exhibition space, a gallery shop, café and fully licensed wine and tapas bar, in one of the world’s most desirable architect designed ocean front beachside precincts, the new Oracle at Broadbeach.

A Night with Doug Bartlett, Artists tell all…
Thursday February 24, 6pm – Dinner show

Join us for an intimate evening of tapas and wine with Nick Morris and Dave Bowers aka Doug Bartlett. The artists will talk about the joys of working in collaboration, and reveal the inspirations behind their images and unique working arrangements. The evening also includes and entertaining slideshow of their past 25 years of collaborative projects.

This event is limited to 40 guests and will sell out. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are $40 and includes mixed tapas, wine and great company. Phone the gallery now on (07) 5538 8825 to secure your place.

Check out their new show Double Extra Super

Retrospect Galleries, Broadbeach is located at the corner of Elizabeth Street and Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach, on the Gold Coast.

The new Gallery features 124 square metres of exhibition space, a gallery shop, café and fully licensed wine and tapas bar, in one of the world’s most desirable architect designed ocean front beachside precincts, the new Oracle at Broadbeach.

DOUG BARTLETT : Double Extra Super -

OPENING – 6pm FRIDAY 25 February 2011

Opened by Special Guest Matt Hoy

Exhibition runs through to March 10

These days everyone wants double everything and extra everything on super everything.  Bigger cars, bigger TVs, Bigger coffees, bigger burgers, bigger houses, bigger toys, bigger egos, more coverage, more angles....well, you get the picture.

 
‘Doug Bartlett’ is a collaboration between artists Nick Morris and Dave Bowers. But is it Collaborative production, or collaborative consumption•  Collaborative Consumption describes the rapid explosion in swapping, sharing, bartering, trading and renting being reinvented through the latest technologies and peer-to-peer marketplaces in ways and on a scale never possible before.  Morris and Bowers have used a combination of sharing, bartering and annihilation to produce works that seem to visually demonstrate the pace and style with which we currently live.  

Morris and Bowers throw enough colour and action into the works, to satisfy even the greediest 21st century consumer, but are they dredging up the trash and treasures that the insatiable population have already digested and discarded. Doug regurgitates the debris of 20th century pop culture and delivers it back in ferocious technicolour to an eager audience.

A combination of found imagery, silkscreen, photography, wild freehand and quotes from celebrities, B grade pulp media and even junk mail all go in to Doug Bartlett’s blender and come out as a pop art thick shake with meat. Finalists in the Doug Moran Painting Prize 2010, invited to illustrate the cover of the Hoodoo Gurus latest album, fresh from recent shows in France, New York and India, Doug is coming out swinging Double Extra Super.

The creative process is raw, free and unplanned. They slap down slabs of colour and layer images at random.

Much of the initial work doesn’t survive because the rule between the pair is: ‘Paint over anything, and the other one can’t protest’.  Whole vistas appear and disappear. Hours of work are swept away with one sweep of a brush. This process of creation and elimination continues until they agree the painting is finished. This represents an exceptional way of working which, quite frankly, would be violently upsetting to the vast majority of working artists today.  


The canvases are a free-flowing exchange of random images and themes using stencils, spray paint, silkscreen, acrylic, oil stick and collage. The subject matter is gleaned from popular culture, including quotes from spam, advertising and gossip magazines.

Bowers writes, “I’m mesmerized by what I call incidental urban micro landscapes. The patterns of road repairs. Chewing gum on the footpath. The machinery and byproducts of human endeavour. The unintentional poetry of everyday life”.

Morris explains “Our rule of painting over anything you want creates art with no boundaries, free from clinging and being too precious, the creative process is accelerated as we bounce off each other.”

This balance of chaos and control, careful creation and ruthless obliteration creates the tension that justifies Doug Bartlett’s irresistible appeal.

How great to see so many beautiful works on wood in the one space.  The gallery was transformed into an atrium of surprises.  Many works have sold from the show but there are still some great pieces available via the gallery online.  View the exhibition and works here...

Check out the pics from the opening night.

What an opening!  For all our wonderful supporters who came on the night we thank you for a very special occasion. We had over 700 people turn up over the course of the evening and great wine from our exciting new wine bar and tapas was enjoyed by all.  Enjoy looking at the photos and we hope to see at our next opening for Doug Bartlett - Double Extra Super - Friday 25th February 2011.