We just hung the gallery today with some wonderful new works by Anthony Lister. They totally transform the space. Two super large works 180cm x 180cm called Lady in the park and Cold Shoulder, and two 90cm x90cm works: Lipstick Stains and Red Parrot.

Australian artist Anthony Lister is only in his late 20's, but everybody wants him. Collectors can't get enough of him - his works sell out before openings and there's hundreds on gallery waiting lists. Lister graduated from Queensland College of Art in 2001, shortly after, he went to New York and worked under the mentorship of New Zealand painter Max Gimblett in 2002 and was the recipient of the 2004 Education Queensland Minister's Art Awards, with a further mentoring workshop residency at Blender Studio, Melbourne. Recently, he undertook a research residency in Berlin, and his travels have extended him to take part in an impressive list of sell-out solo and group exhibitions around the world. Lister's work has been acquired by the National Gallery, featured in Juxtapoz magazine, and he was a finalist in the 2007 ABN Amro Award. His gritty portrayals of superheroes, the figure, tattoo art, graffiti and pop-cultural icons show Lister's skill in the exploration and depiction of modern life. Anthony Lister currently lives and paints in New York City.

Check out the rest of his artist profile here..

Red Parrot
Size: 90cm x 90cm
Media: Mixed media on canvas

 

DOUG BARLETT Dinner Talk @ Retrospect Galleries, Gold Coast, Australia from Retrospect on Vimeo.

"Don't let Doug hear you say that‚Ķ" Nick Morris and Dave Bowers jokingly comment while discussing the enormity that is Doug Bartlett, their pseudonym and collaboration. Enormous is an apt description for the crowd, the response and a couple of the works shown in the Doug Bartleltt solo show which opened Friday 25 February. Matt Hoy, renowned Quick Silver Pro Champion was kind enough to open the show and introduce an impromptu talk by the boys.  Again art lovers, friends and esteemed guests were thoroughly entertained by the narration ( and of course the works) that Nick and Dave supplied. A big thank you to all who attended both the Wine and Tapas evening and also our opening night.

Check out images from their show Double Extra Super Here

 

 

Award winning photographer Alberto Sanchez brings us some amazing new works as part of our Shutterspeed exhibition in our Byron Bay gallery.  The artworks are a colourful and reflective vision of Tokyo, a place Alberto was fascinated with when he travelled there. Alberto's hand painting on each photograph makes each piece unique and enhances the emotion you feel when viewing.  From colourful vending machines to architecture and all the quirky objects we find in Japan, Alberto has captured the bright spirited nature of the Japanese city.

'Shutterspeed', featuring Alberto's Tokyo series opens Friday 11 March 6pm at the Byron Bay gallery.  

You can view Alberto's works here.

We proudly welcome into the Retrospect fold, brilliant photographic artists; Toby Burrows, Trevor Worden, Justin Ealand. As well as featuring in our imminent group show 'Shutterspeed' we hope the work of these three artists will feature regularly in both our Byron Bay and Queensland Galleries. We know you will be astounded as we have been by the photography they produce. See their works and profiles here...

Toby Burrows studied painting and photography at Sydney College of the Arts before leaving for London in 1991. It was whilst managing Europe's largest photographic studio complex, Holborn Studios - London, that Toby's passion for photography grew. For a period of four years he was fortunate to work alongside photographers such as David Bailey and Richard Avedon.Toby's avant-garde style and award-winning photography have been celebrated with a New York Festival Gold, numerous Cannes and one show finalists, a World Press Award, Folio Awards as well as nominations for the International Colour Awards and the Black & White Spider Awards.

Check out Toby's his bio here...

Self taught in the black & white darkroom of the traditional photographic process, Justin Ealand has progressed to owner and founder of a successful studio specialising in photojournalistic  wedding and portrait photography. Personal work is both a necessary part of a connection to the world and a necessary tool for release of inspiration. His landscapes are found moods and commentaries, with subjects either solitary in relation to a whole or in conjunction with a small number that are often different but the same. He sees in terms of connection and balance, in form and texture, in harmony, colour and space. Justin is a Master of Photography with the Australian Institute of Professional Photography after winning Gold and Silver awards in the Canon Professional Photography awards 2005-2010. He has been the finalist in the Olive Cotton Portrait Prize twice, with a highly commended and people choice award for his entry in 2007.

Check out Justin's bio here..

Trevor Worden explores the notion of the human psyche rejecting/abandoning the use of the female body as a commodity for viewing pleasure only and reclaiming the creative wisdom that resides in all female form. A hopeful and empowering higher vision to revere the true value of the female form as a symbol of confidence and trust of our own innate intuition that lies intrinsically within all creatures.

Check out Trevor Warden's bio here...

Deb is an emerging artist with a 25 year art practice! She lives and works on the Brisbane/Ipswich border. She completed a fine art degree at the Queensland College of Art in 2006. Her art practice since then has revolved around still life and she has won some major prizes including the Sponsors Choice Award, Eutick Memorial Still Life Awards 2009 and the New Generation People’s Choice Award 2008. She has been a finalist in many exhibitions including The Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2010, 2008, the Eutick Memorial Still Life Awards 2010, 2009, 2008, the Redlands Art Awards 2010, 2008, the Salon de Refuses 2009, the Stan and Maureen Duke Art Prize 2010, 2007 and the Theiss Art Prize 2006.  Click here to view Deb's Artist Profile.

Deb’s recent works are to feature in our next Gold Coast show - Honestly!  Opening Friday 18 March at 6pm.  Show runs until 31 March. Click here to view show.

An evening with Deb Mostert - Objects Speak! is also being held on Thursday 17 March at 6pm.  For more information contact the Gold Coast gallery on (07) 5538 8825.

 

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

 

Right now I am…

Trying to focus on the computer screen, ‘where are my glasses-’

 

At the moment I am working on…

Developing some ideas into paintings. It’s hard work, much harder than doing the actual painting.

 

In the last year I have challenged myself to…

Care more.

 

My proudest moment this year was…

Suddenly realising that my three teenagers are extraordinary individuals with so much potential.

 

My biggest mistake this year was…

Forgetting the lid was off my tube of Cerulean Blue.

 

Recently I’ve been inspired by the work of…

The Dutch masters, yet again. I keep going back to them, to be inspired and depressed in equal measure by their skills and the mood they create.

 

When I’m stuck for ideas I usually…

Think ‘great! Now I can relax for a while’....never happens.

 

I have always been fascinated by artists that…

Can make paint moody and suggestive.

 

If I were to try my hand at a new artform, it would be…

Sculpture or silver smithing. 

 

When I was a child I dreamt of…

Being a vet, sadly my grade 8 science grades put a match to that dream. 

 

My first job was…

As a paste up artist/ graphic artist (back in the 80’s when cut and paste was literally that!)

 

My first big love was…

Drawing, I became aware at an early age that I could draw and that knowledge lit a fire which never went out. I draw nearly every day and consider it the bones of my art practise. 

 

The first piece of art I ever bought was…

An etching of the interior of St Pauls Cathedral by English artist Edward Sharland, I still love it.

 

My favourite record cover of all time is…

Resurrection by Sons of Korah. The artwork was done by Warren Breninger whose sensitive and dynamic paintings I very much admire. And it’s a great album too!

 

The best film I have seen this year is…

I’m still waiting for it!

 

If I could see any musician (past or present) performing live, it would be…

Paul Simon or Sting or a whole host of others to numerous to mention!

 

In the film of my life I would like to be played by…

Dame Judi Dench, what a great actor

 

My Avatar would be…

A snowdome or a tin paint box

 

My guiltiest pleasure this year has been…

Spending the entire profits from the sale of a painting on tubes of luscious Langridge Paints. It’s probably spoilt me for life.

 

If I am cooking for myself I…

Make a risotto, good comfort food!

 

My last meal would be…

Slow cooked lamb shanks on sweet potato mash.

 

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

Read usually.

 

I am currently reading….

A few books at once as is my custom and strangely enough all related to concepts of last days and how we choose to live them.  The Road by Cormac McCarthy, The Beach by Nevil Shute and One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook.  Sobering, thought provoking and uplifting.

 

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

A dryad, I love trees

 

The best gift I have ever received was…

Things hand made by my children, complete with tipsy misspelt words of love written on cards made with felt pens and crayon.

 

My grandmother always said…

‘et smakelijk’ meaning enjoy your meal in dutch.

 

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

Use it to organize a redistribution of wealth on our planet. We have enough for everyone, we just need to re organize it.

 

If I was heading off around the world and could only take three things with me, I would pack…

My bible, my watercolour kit/paper and photos of my family

 

If air travel was no longer possible I would…

Go by boat, preferably by sail.

 

If I was a superhero I would be…

Marine Boy because he was my favourite growing up, he had cool chewing gum that allowed him to breathe underwater. Whatever happened to Marine Boy-

 

If my art could work for a worthy cause, I would dedicate it to…

Compassion International or Share an Opportunity (Baptist World Aid) as they work to connect orphans and desperately poor children in developing countries with sponsors who can support them with basic needs and schooling. 

 

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

A community of like minded people.

 

The thing I loved about the 20th Century was…

I can only comment on the decades in which I have existed, so:  60’s music, 70’s clothes, 80’s hair and 90’s gadgets

 

If I could live in any one period of time, I would choose…

Right now is all right by me

 

The most valuable lesson I have learned this year is…

To be more patient, to slow down, listen more and talk less

 

The craziest thing I have done this year was…

To go to my 25th year high school reunion. What a surreal experience. 

 

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

‘not anytime soon!’ Written in Old English type face accompanied by a dolphin jumping over a skull carrying dragon with butterflies and Chinese characters spelling out my three children’s names.  Oh, and a rose and a snarling leopard. 

 

When I think about the GEC, I…

Think it’s a great opportunity to live more simply and to be thankful for what I have.

 

The rise of graphic art makes me think…

Is graphic art rising-

 

I found the Bill Henson debate…

An overreaction but an interesting glimpse at how people project through their own paradigms onto artwork they see. 

 

They say fact is stranger than fiction because…

It is, just look at a giraffe tongue! Why electric blue-!

 

If I wasn’t so busy making art I would like to…

Spend time writing a novel

 

In the next year I hope to achieve…

A bigger veggie garden

COMING SOON:
Simon Mee, Chalk and Charcoal
Opening Friday 18 March 6pm
FRIDAY 18 March till 31 March 2011.

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‚Äôs 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. Having completed a Masters Degree in Visual Arts and being a University Lecturer stands Simon in good stead to exercise his sophisticated humour.  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.  His thought provoking body of works subtly resonate and will revisit you long after you have visited this exhibition

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

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.

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 40 guests and will sell out. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are $40 and includes mixed tapas, wine and great company.  Phone: (07) 5538 8825 to secure your booking

 

Check out here artist profile here..

See her wonderful exhibition Honestly! here...

 

DEB MOSTERT - Honestly!
Opening Friday 18 March 6pm
FRIDAY 18 March till 31 March 2011.

Browse her works and artist profile 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!Come and see what the fuss is all about.

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

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.

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 40 guests and will sell out. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are $40 and includes mixed tapas, wine and great company.  Phone: (07) 5538 8825 to secure your booking