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.

 

At the end of each year we look forward to presenting our annual Petits Travaux, ‘smalls’ show, featuring over 300 unique artworks from 34 artists, each measuring 25cm x 25cm.  This is our chance to showcase some of our most popular artists from the year in miniature form and at matching miniature cost, and introduce you to some new faces.  This year people loved Simon McLean’s quirky illustrations and humourous text, which sold out within a few hours.  Other favourites included Craig Martin’s whimsical paintings, Mia Taninaka’s works on wood and Susan Gorley’s retro inspired screenprints.

 

 

 

 

Friday March 11 to March 31
Opening 6pm Friday March 11

In the blink of an eye, with the click of a shutter, an image is created.  Some of our favourite photographers come together to share their latest take on the fast changing world that we all wish to capture. 

 

The Gallery was packed to the brim for our July opening, in which we celebrated urban art / youth art and culture in two cutting edge shows, Revolution of Art and Tattooed.  A big thanks to Millie Loveknuckles from Rock of Ages Tattoo Parlour in Lennox for her opening night tattoo demonstrations. We loved watching the cool crowd squirming in anticipation, and then shrugging and nodding with appreciation and awe.

Great response from locals and visitors alike

Millie in action !!

 

 

 

Photographer Alberto Sanchez posed with one of his models in front of his wonderful works

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just like them we love Spanish artist Vilchez

 

 

 

Fellow tattooist Tom Burrey from Rock of Ages tattoo parlour and crew

Final work on Jess's leg after just 2 hrs and few bottles of wine ..

The Gallery was packed to the brim for last week’s artsCape Indoor Sculpture exhibition opening, with opening speeches by internationally renowned artists Greg Johns and Usama AlNasar. This is an exceptional show of works, running in conjunction with the artsCape Biennial and featuring sculptures by many of the same artists who have contributed to the outdoor show, including renowned Australian sculptors Bert Flugelman and Greg Johns, Syrian Usama AlNassar and Japanese artist Keizo Ushio, plus local Northern Rivers’ artists James Brown, Mimi Dennett, Samantha Collyer, Noel Hart, and many more.  On now until July 13.

A leisurely arrival for our VIP artsCape ambassadors, who get a chance to view the sculptures before the official opening at 6pm.

The fabulous sand-shoe creations from Pamala Lee Brenner and Emma Medwel.

Byron Bay photographer David Young admiring wood-fired ceramic eggs from Samantha Collier.

Powerful sculptures by Jeffrey Frith, Michael Snape and Stephen King.

Japanese sculptor Keizo Ushio with Koicho Ishino and Lisa Anderson

Invited Syrian artist Usama AlNassar talks to Byron Bay sculptor Alan Horstmanhoff.

Somebody in cool boots admiring wall hangings from Anne Leon and quirky horse-like figures from Claude Jones.

Hanging mobiles from Jade Oakley, and on top of the lightbox works from Lucy Vador, Barbara Licha and Mishele Moran.

People keep coming and coming...

Gallery director Bree Delian invites our three speakers to begin their artist talks and opening speeches.

Greg Johns comments on the history of Australian sculpture and officially opens the exhibition.

Usama AlNasar talks about his work.

Keizo Ushio braves his second language and delights the crowd with his speech.

Sculptor Mike McGregor and artist Ken Johnson.

A bug thanks to interior designer and artist Kate Platt whose fantastic advice helped place all the works in an interesting display.

Artis Noel Hart with artsCape director Rebecca Townsend and Retrospect Galleries Director Bree Delian and artist Dolores Cupcake at the end of the night.

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Retro and vintage lovers were out in force for the opening of the Retroism exhibition at Retrospect Galleries on Friday May 21.  This stunning show features a mix of assemblage, collage and multi-media works by 12 renowned artists from the US, Brazil, UK, France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands and Australia, who all share a fascination with nostalgic 20^th Century imagery. Congratulations to co-curator, artist Kareem Ritz, who did a fantastic job, working in conjunction with Retrospect’s Bree Delian.  This show has been extended until June 14.

Artist Kareem Risk.

Elise Juin, artist Kareem Risk, Michelle Dawson and Alberto Sanchez.

 

 

 

Artists Hilary Herrmann, Katka Adams and Cornelia Burless.

Cornelia Burless, Bree Delian and Hilary Herrmann exchanging before the talk. 

Katka Adams and Bree Delian.

Hilary Herrmann talking.

Cornelia Burless talking.

Last month we dug out our cool weather gear and headed south to Melbourne, where we spent four fantastic days mixing it up with our city-based contemporaries at one of the country’s biggest and most prestigious art fairs. It was fabulous to see the enthusiastic response to the works created by our artists, from the numerous new people we met as well as the familiar faces in the crowd.  All up we sold more than 90 works, making us one of the most successful and popular galleries to take part.  We were also the first of the 100+ galleries that took part in the fair, to sell an artwork, making us the winners of the annual Grace Removalists’ “Unpacker’s prize”… The guys were busy taking bets as we were setting up our stand.

With the stand all set up, Michelle takes a last look around and a few minutes rest before the crowd comes in.

Some of the beautiful works by artist John Cottrell.

Katka Adams' beautiful chickens and still life smalls in pastel.

Ross Tamlin Artworks. People are always amazed that this is not actually corrugated iron.

Great new works by Fiona Kennedy Altoft, delighted children and adults alike.

Admirers of John Cottrell.

Amazing works from Lisa Lee, whose vivid street scapes were a great success.

 

Michelle Dawson and her stunning Dr Moreau's Kitten.

After a quick re-hang the next morning we are back and ready for business.

Works by Artists Lyndy Delian and Albert Sanchez.

Stunning creations by Jan Van Dijk and Hilary Herrmann

Works by Nikky Morgan-Smith, Nicole Tattersall and Michelle Dawson.

Art connoisseurs from the garden state admiring the beautiful works at our stand.

A successful exhibition, admired by all which would not have been possible without the combined and mighty efforts of  gallery director Bree Delian, Gallery assistant Michelle Dawson, French intern Elise Juin, PR Julie Clark, web assistant Kitty Delian  and of course all our wonderful and talented artists.

View the exhibition here....

A crowd of regulars and open-mouthed visitors gathered at Retrospect last Friday night for the opening of our latest show, Jan Van Dijk and Michelle Dawson’s Man Woman Beast. Whilst Jan tried his best to look inconspicuous, Michelle played on the hybrid theme, glamming up with a set of feline ears.  Neither could hide from the accolades for their stunning and highly contrasting works, from Jan’s heavily layered canvases of human-animals, to Michelle’s fine drawings and paintings of mixed animal forms.  Saturday’s drawing sessions in the Gallery also drew fascinated audiences, who loved the opportunity to watch these incredible creative technicians at work.

A full house turned up for Man Woman Beast.

Mix and Match your own beast with Exquisite Corpse inspired make your own beast with heads, torsos and tails by Michelle and Jan.

Pensive thoughts inspired by wicked beasts.

Some interesting combinations.  

Jan Van Dijk with Kylie (of Duck Rifle fame) and James Crookshank and friend.

Artists Emma Walker and Hilary Herrmann congratulate Michelle and her ears on a great show.

Jack Reindeer commands the room.

Artists Hilary Herrmann and Corneila Burless with Gallery Director Bree Delian.

Photographer Charile and friend from the Top Shop enjoy beverages provided by our sponsors Stone and Wood.

Chris Booth with Jan and Kylie.

Man Woman Beast artists Michelle Dawson and Jan Van Dijk admire some strange make your own monster combinations.

Michelle and Jan.

A great night had by all.

Michelle Dawson and Jan Van Dijk did some collaborative drawings on Saturday morning based on the surrealist children's game 'The Exquisite Corpse' where each artist draws a head torso and tail covering over the piece that was done before so no one knows how the beast will look until the moment of unveiling.

Jan working is it a head or tail-

Tail...

The Unveiling...

Kylie is the perfect hostess...

Some finished creatures

 

 

 

 

Kellie presents Sunday Morning Blues. A great crowd came along to watch Kellie create a large scale performance drawing pieces, in collaboration with local Northern Rivers improvisational outfit, The Knie.

Over Easter weekend and into the holidays, Retrospect Galleries was thrilled to present artist Kellie O’Dempsey, live and in exhibition.  Renowned for her live drawing performances, which we were lucky enough to sample on Easter Sunday morning, Kellie has amassed an amazing collection of drawings and paintings of musicians, dancers, actors and other performers in action, all around the world.  In this show she presented highlights of her work at a decade worth of music gigs and festivals, from small town shows to major international events.  Some of our favourites included Tex Perkins at Repentance Creek, Jack Johnson at a previous Bluesfest and The Kills, trans-Atlantic rock-n-roll duo at Benicassim in Spain.

Kellie O'Dempsey painting live in Retrospect Galleries front room while Byron Bays fantastic improvisational outfit The Knie jams in front of a mesmerised crowd.

Kellie draws inspiration from the sounds of the double bass.

Kellie's drawing is taking shape as she seeks inspiration from outside the window.

People passing by, stop to enjoy Kellie's fantastic drawing performance.

Our first Retrospect Party at Harvest for the year, held in conjunction with the exhibition El Mar Mi Alma (The Sea My Soul), was a sellout success, with loads of people turned away who didn’t get in fast enough to book their place. It was great to see Harvest packed full of people, and witness the fantastic response to talks by two of our local artists – former pro surfer turned painter James McMillan and artist photographer Alberto Sanchez, who each shared a bit about their work interspersed with stories about their relationship with the sea.  Also speaking on the night were Tatiana Velasco and Stephen Jones from Rebel Waltz Films, who talked about their incredible experience filming El Mar Mi Alma, the movie, in Chile.  And J’aimee Skippon Volke from Byron Bay Film Festival, who introduced the amazing program of surf and ocean inspired films, she had programmed at the Festival this year.  Thanks to everyone for a great night and especially to all the team at Harvest for their incredible hospitality, delicious cocktails and fabulous menu.  We’ve got three more Retrospect Parties at Harvest coming up in 2010.  Read on for the info and make sure you book your tickets early for these good times ahead.

In order of appearance J’aimee Skippon Volke from Byron Bay Film Festival, Tristan proud owner of the Harvest Cafe, Stephen Jones and Tatiana Velasco from Rebel Waltz Films and artists Alberto Sanchez and James McMillan.

James McMillan talks about Surf, Life and Art..

Retrospect Galleries Director Bree Delian talks to James Mcmillan.

The crowd at Harvest Cafe had a wonderful meal and great conversation with our interest speakers.

Alberto Sanchez had the crowd in stitches with his tales from growing up in Spain without a car and only seeing the ocean for the first time when he was 14 years old. Now he photographs the surf and the ocean with a passion..

J’aimee Skippon Volke from Byron Bay Film Festival, who introduced the amazing program of surf and ocean inspired films, she had programmed at the Festival this year.

Stephen Jones from Rebel Waltz Films, shows raw footage and talks about his incredible experience filming El Mar Mi Alma, the movie, in Chile.

Tristan from Harvest Cafe in front of the artworks by Alberto Sanchez and James McMillan

Smiles everywhere after a great evening...

An enthusiastic crowd braved a night of wild stormy weather to make an early appearance at the opening of El Mar Mi Alma, The Sea My Soul on Thursday March 11. Many were on the way to the Byron Bay International Film Festival, which was showing a fantastic program of surf films including a tantalising glimpse of the new surf film, El Mar Mi Alma, from which the exhibition took its name. It was a fantastic turnout with heaps of people commenting that they loved the diversity of the work on offer, from John Witzig’s classic surf photos dating back to the early 1960s, to Alberto Sanchez’s limited edition photography/painting montages, which proved to be the hit of the show, selling out within the first few days.  Loads of visitors have been back to see the show several times over and it has also been great to see lots of new people who have visited the gallery for the first time.  Thanks to our sponsors Stone and Wood, for your generous support of the opening, everyone was loving those beers!  And to Ian Burrell, whose stunning work on the slide guitar created a fantastic ambiance.

Even the small people were fascinated by Ryan Haywood's totems

The crowd swirls around the room

Someone stands in front of legend surf photographer Dick Hoole's and Luke Taaffe's work.

Alberto Sanchez's hand painted photographs were the hits of the show.

Artist Norval Watson stands in front of Ryan Haywoods totems

Big smiles from Andy who owns the famous surfer coffee hangout The Top Shop

The cool gang Amelia Hallam, web star Kitty Delian, surfers Geoff Maguire and Benjamin Dorez

Michelle Dawson and friend look at works by Dave Homcy and Jeff Raglus

Alberto Sanchez and James McMillan pose for the camera while holding a camera...

Local musician Si and friend stand in front of Ian Bowers and Sean Davies artworks

 

A fantastic painting of a Ute with surf board by Victorian artist Ian Bowers

Coffee maker extraordinaire from the Top Shop Andy with mates, come to Retrospect Galleries to check out the show

Gallery goers enjoy the vintage limited edition prints from Paul Witzigs  films..

Film Maker Stephen Jones and Kirra Pendergast  with Retrospect Gallery Director Bree Delian

Even babies braced the rain to come to the opening

Local artist Shane Martin enjoys a wine at the show

Moody paintings from Ian Bowers

James McMillan's utopia-esque paintings in the background

Retrospect web assistant Kitty Delian talks to New Zealand surfer Geoff "Jiff" MacGuire

Live music

The new in front of the old- Everyone loved the photographs from the 60's by legend surf photographer John Witzig 

An art lover in front of a wall of Sean Davies photographs

Luke Taaffe stands proud with his offspring..

Upcoming artists Kristy and Kelly Turner excited to meet Luke and Mia.

Design extraordinaire Paul McNeil (SeaCell) with Mia Taninaka.

Luke and CO. in front of the Kraken itself.

Some of Luke's pieces ..

Artists Dolores Cupcake and Amber Secombe

Mia Taninaka and friend in front of Mia's 'Oasis' .

Intern and Breton man Benjamin Dorez with local musician Matt Connolly enjoying local brew by sponsor Stone&Wood

Luke and Mia

Detail of Mia's beautiful work ..

Jiff Maguire and Mauricio Laratro

Luke and his proud Mum .. :)

Kate, Dane and Bree .. Kate after much consideration ended up getting Luke's Atomic Lands ..

Sarah and Troy Archer, Fiona Kennedy-Altoft and Cornelia Burless

Gallery director Bree Delian and Rick Shearman

Stephen Phibbs, Hillary Hermann & Noel Hart

and more coming soon...

Artist Nic Plowan in front of author Zenith Virago and artist James Guppy in a fabulous and intimate artist dinner at Harvest Cafe.

Retrospect Galleries director Bree Delian introduces the exciting panel for Day of the Dead talks

Nic Plowman wows the audience with his humour and depth.

Jame's Guppy gave the very lucky crowd at Harvest Cafe  a fascinating glimpse into the mind and works of his diverse career and passion on Death and symbolism.

Zenith Virago at the artist talk at Harvest Cafe

People linger in front of Michelle Dawson's 'The Last of It's Kind.'

Little skulls all the way from Mexico

Ross Tamlin's amazing Work get's lots of attention

People analise the works in Gallery 3

Big smiles in front of Shane Martin's Love panel that sold on the opening night.

Lismore Regional Gallery Curatot Kezoa Geddes and friend.

People viewing works in Gallery three by Stephen Phibbs, Shane Martin, Luke Taaffe and  Mia Taninaka,Cal MacKinnon, Jan Van Dijk, Dr Cornelius Delaney and Daniel Clemmett.

 

Zenith Virago brings a moving ceremony of Day of the Dead to exhibition goers in main street Byron Bay

A quiet moment of reflection as the crowd honours their departed loved ones.

Zenith Virago as moves the audience with her Day of the Dead Ceremony

Rafa Desantos delighted the audience with his duet with Yolanda from BAY Fm

Nic Plowman in front of Daniel Clemmetts limited edition'Canon' Guns

So many works to look at- this exhibition was so well received by the public. Congratulations to all the artists who made it look so fabulous.

each work was 25 x 25 cm and the artists each contributed nine works.

New artist Sarah Crawford and friend stands to the Right hand side of her series of nudes looking fabulous in Mimosa dresses!!

The back wall of Gallery Three with works by Luke Hallam, Johnny Romeo, John Cottrell, Laura Skerlj, Alberto Sanchez, Jan Van Dikj, Craig Martin and Sarah Crawford.

James McMillan and partner Lisa bridge his works..

Welcome...

Members of the public look at works by new artist Lisa Lee and Rick Shearman.

Suave and sexy at the smalls...

Emerging artist Oliver Searle with local artist Michelle Dawson look at his series of nine works inspired by fashion.

Local singer and dancer Cheze and son Hopi admire works by photographer Grant MacIntrye and stencil artist Nicole Tattersal.

Thelma and Louise eat your heart out.

Nick Morris talking to some cool locals.

Dave Bowers (on right) with Local artists Stephen Phibbs and Charlie Wrencher with Retrospect staff member Jane Wrencher.

Nick Morris talking to artist Troy Archer (biro extraordinaire - you should see the callous Troy is developing on his finger getting ready for Art Sydney)

Dave Bowers Deep in conversation explaining the resin techniques

A view of the show 

Doug Bartlett takes over Retrospect Galleries

Nick Morris in white leather......

Steve Probert, proud owner of the Real Thing.

 Nick and Dave with Gallery Directors Bree Delian and Alberto Sanchez and artist Michelle Dawson.

We had a great dinner show at Why Not Cafe which sold out and everyone had a fantastic night. Here Nick and Dave showing just how many layers can be behind some of their work. A painting takes between 40-60 hours and may have up to 90 layers.

A serious moment. (I lie- I don't think there were any in the presentation. I laughed so much my sides were sore the next day, especially the pics of the Nude surfing competitions they ran).

And if someone does paint over your work, you're not allowed to complain about it!

 

 

 

 

Here are some pics from the opening night. Another great turnout and good night. DJ Slinky had the crowd pumped. Thanks for coming.

People crowd in room three, artist Bennet in front of Dennis Ropar's Cowgirl Love

Dj Slinky

Artist Dennis and Sonia Ropar

The middle Room

KAreem Rizk Birds, Dennis Ropar Cowgirl and James Mcmillan on R

Art from Japan and Ginza LAb on Right Fawn Gehweiler

Artist Michelle Dawson in front of Alberto Sanchez's retired super heros

Artworks by Kelsey Brookes and Johnny Romeo

People look at  work by Glasslove, Fawn Gehweiler and Harley Graham

Its Love By Dennis Ropar

Artist Harley Graham  with partner Sheree in front of Ears to the Ground's Rainbow Warrior

Wicked beats by DJ Slinky had the crowd dancing

Artist Dolores Cupcake in front of HAHA's fantastic jigsaw pieces 

Photographer Alberto Sanchez embraced by Rafael Desantos and Retrospect Warehouse manager Mauricio Laratro

Laura Skerlj and Amos Duggan's artworks

Photographer Tom Ives contemplates works by Justin Williams, Sarah Harvey and Anna Nordstrom

Artist Fiona Kennedy Altoft philosophizes with print makers Joanna Kambourini and Darren Bryant

Spot the Dog on Left and Sculpture by Mitchell Brannon

Gallery Director Bree Delian with Diana Hobbs and Kitty Delian, underneath Vilchez artworks.

Artists Celia Morgan, Michelle Dawson and Singer Rafael Desantos AKA (Kangatito)

 Goodnight....

REVOLUTION OF ART

A new exhibition opening in Byron Bay on July 24 showcases the urban art phenomenon in a global context. Opening on July 24, on the eve of the Byron’s Splendour in the Grass Festival, Revolution of Art will bring together works from more than 60 invited Australian and international artists for a three-week exposition.

The select group of artists includes the well known, such as Kelsey Brookes (USA) and pop artist Denis Ropar (Adelaide), alongside young and emerging artists from Asia, Australasia, Europe and the US.

It’s the second year that Retrospect Galleries has held an urban art show.

Last year’s exhibition, Where Mighty Giants Dwell, caused a bit of a stir in Byron Bay, because, as Gallery Director, Bree Delian explains, it's not the sort of art that people are used to seeing in what is essentially a big country town.”

“For a start, it’s largely created in the city,” she said.  “And it also brings ‘illicit’ street art such as graffiti and stencilling into the Gallery environment”.

“But this isn’t a new art movement,” she continued. “It’s just something that is new to the area.”

Delian recognises that the show is not likely to be everyone's cup of tea, but she says that Retrospect Galleries has a strong following of people that are really interested in this type of art, as a comment on broader societal issues and the voice of a new generation.

Over the past decade, urban art has become somewhat of a phenomenon. Works by leading graffiti artists such as England’s Banksy have become highly collectable, resulting in interest from Galleries the world over.

For example Banksy (whose actual identity remains a mystery due to pending incarceration), is top of the list of artists represented by Andipa Gallery in London’s Knightsbridge, in the company of Hirst, Bacon, Picasso, Chagall, Lichtenstein and Warhol. He has also recently been honoured with a major solo exhibition at Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, called Banksy v Bristol Museum, which, he told bbc.co.uk, "Is the first show I've ever done where taxpayers' money is being used to hang my pictures up rather than scrape them off."

Delian says that Retrospect’s new exhibition will be bigger and better than last year, with more diverse work, to represent the range of styles that are developing under the urban art banner, including street art, pop art and more fine art forms such as collage, drawings, etching, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking and watercolours, clothing, jewellery, zines and books.

“Some of the artists, such as Dennis Ropar, Johnny Romeo and Doug Bartlett have art degrees,” she says. “Others have no fine art background but are doing quite well as artists.”  

“For example, Regan Tanamui, AKA Ha Ha who recently exhibited at GOMA,” she continued.  “He’s a self-taught artist who started off spray painting stencils on the street. Eight years and 10 solo exhibitions later, his work is in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia.”

“All of the artists in the show have something to say about contemporary urban culture and that’s really interesting, especially when you can look at it in a broad international context,” she concluded.

Revolution of Art opens 6 - 9pm Friday July 24, with DJ Slinky, and a live aerosol demo with Sydney street artist, Bennett. It’s on for three weeks, till August 13. The show includes works by international artists Kelsey Brookes (USA), Ginza Lab (Japan), Glass Love (France), Oh Death (UK), Vilchez (Spain) Superboturbo (Netherlands), Rourke Van Dal (UK), Fawn Gehweiler (USA), Fake (UK) and Australian artists Denis Ropar, Doug Bartlett, Johnny Romeo, Regan HA HA Tanamui, Beastman, Justin Williams, Kareem Rizk, Kevin Tran, Brett Chan, Numskull, Miss Link, Bennett, Jeremyville, Timba, Rone, Henson, Troy Archer, Mia Taninaka, Snatchez, Dolores Cupcake, Snick, Darren Bryant, James McMillan, Christian Morrow, plus more.

In between gigs at Bluesfest last weekend, Xavier Rudd spent time at Retrospect Galleries, Byron Bay, with good friend, photographer, James Looker. Retrospect is hosting an exhibition of Looker’s images, a collection of works from his recently published, limited edition photojournal, celebrating six years on the road with the Aussie blues roots maestro.

24 year-old Looker describes his first meeting with Xavier Rudd as “a chance encounter between a musician drawn to photography and a photographer drawn to music”.

That was six years ago and the two obviously clicked.

Barely 18, he was invited to join Rudd’s retinue in the role of Production Manager, touring with the musician and his band, around Australia and the world.

*Pic - Photographer James Looker and Retrospect Galleries director Bree Delian

Looker’s collection of photographs document this incredible time on the road, travelling with Rudd to New York City, Montreal, Arnhem Land, the Rocky Mountains and beyond, with plenty of roadside stops in between. He describes the show as “a pictorial collection of travel, inspiration and life”, capturing everything from the excitement of Rudd’s shows, to his work in the studio, his collaborations with other musicians and communities, to the stillness of solitary moments in the outback and the surf.

The photos are mainly black and white, taken with a variety of vintage cameras, including his favourite, a rare old Polaroid, which produces moody miniatures with a quirky 1950s edge.

Limited edition and one-off medium format photographic prints of Looker’s images are available as part of the show and copies of Looker’s photojournal are also for sale - one of 2,000 signed and numbered copies. Checkout James Looker's artist profile and limited edition photos for sale online at Retrospect Galleries.

We have also released exclusively at Retrospect Galleries as part of our Retrospect Editions a fantastic set of prints is hand-signed by both James and Xavier, a unique collaboration that sees a seamless blend of photography and song lyrics, landscape and emotion. We released this fantastic set of three prints for Jame's solo show at Easter when Xavier played at the Blues and Roots Festival in Byron Bay.

These prints rightly sold like wildfire and there are only about 10 sets yet, for those of you who have not purchased them yet do not delay. Each set of prints comes with an original certificate of authenticity from James Looker.

Check out his artist profile and cool works

 

LOCAL ARTIST STEVEN GIESE CASTS SPELL IN MARINE VISIONS FINE ART AWARD

Lismore based artist Steven Giese’s oil painting, A Spell for Protection against Sharks, was the winner of this year’s Fine Art award at Retrospect Galleries’ annual Marine Visions exhibition.

Giese says his winning work is about magic.  “The sharks symbolise not just themselves but a whole host of threats like economic collapse and self harm,” he comments.  “Sometimes you have to pull energy towards yourself and be strong.”

Giese certainly pulled the energy towards himself last week, with judges for the event selecting his work from over 60 finalists in this year’s competition.  The local artist and art teacher walked away with almost $1,000 in prizes.

Marine Visions is organised annually by Retrospect Galleries, Byron Bay, in conjunction with the Byron Underwater Festival.

Retrospect Galleries Director Bree Delian says she was pleased with the exceptional standard of entries for this year’s event and the interest that Marine Visions is now generating around the country and abroad.

“With the event in its third year, the entries just keep getting better,” she says. “This year we received submissions from around Australia and New Zealand, including works from quite some well known artists. “For example Sydney based photographer James Morgan, who took out this year’s Photography Award, was a former UK Newspapers Young Photographer of the Year and has photographed anything and everything in his career, including the Royal family.”

Of course, there’s also a whole host of fantastic local artists who made it through as finalists and their work is on display now as part of the show, she adds.

“Marine Visions is a great opportunity to enjoy a diverse representation of work, from abstract conceptual to photorealism, to playful representations,” Bree says.

“All the finalists’ works are hanging in the Gallery and there are certainly some interesting artists worth the visit including familiar names John Cottrell, Hilary Hermann, Anna Nordstrom, Anne Leon, Frances Belle Parker, Erica Mayer, Garth Lena and Gwanji Monks, to name a few.”

Marine Visions is an open competition and exhibition of 2 and 3D art exploring life on the coast, in the surf and deep down underwater.

 

A SPECIAL KIND OF VISION A RUNAWAY SUCCESS

Artists and art lovers gathered at Retrospect Galleries on Thursday March 5th to celebrate the launch of a new publication celebrating contemporary Aboriginal art of the Northern Rivers region.  

A stunning 84-page full colour publication, A Special Kind of Vision showcases diverse contemporary work from 26 local Indigenous artists, who were selected from almost 70 Indigenous artists surveyed across the region last year.

The publication is a first for Indigenous artists in the region and across the state. It shines the light on some of the incredibly talented artists living in the region, including established artists such as Digby Moran, Garth Lena and Karla Dickens, as well as talented emerging artists such as Joanne Lapic, who are just starting their careers.

The book is also evidence of the exceptional work happening in a region that has, until now, struggled to be visible on the national Indigenous arts landscape.

The launch of the book also included a preview of an exhibition of works by 25 of the featured artists, which is on now at Retrospect Galleries, until March 26.

Lois Randall, CEO of Arts Northern Rivers believes that the public will be overwhelmed by the exceptional standard and range of works included in this exhibition.

 “I encourage everyone to go to Retrospect Galleries and see for themselves how stunning the artwork is, and to buy a copy of the book as well,” she says.

A Special Kind of Vision was launched by Chris Bonney, Program Officer for the Australia Council for the Arts’ Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Unit, who flew up from Sydney for the event.

 

Wine flowed, musicians played and art lovers from near and far gathered to celebrate Retrospect Galleries’ first year of business at their new premises on Jonson Street in Byron Bay.

The event was held just a day before the public opening of Retrospect’s Christmas show, 12 x 12, affording VIP guests the opportunity to preview over 300 works in miniature – including drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, and art/design objects, from more than 50 East Coast artists.

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 There’s pieces by Torquay based Doug Bartlett (renowned for their colourful collages of street/surf/art subculture), Brisbane’s Nic Plowman, Sydney surf artist Luke Taaffe and well known locals including photographers Alberto Sanchez, Jeff Dawson and David Young, and artists Jan Rae, Noel Hart, John Cottrell and Dolores Cupcake.

First to sell at the VIP event was Luke Taffe’s triptych, The Wreck, a work in ink and acrylic on recycled wood, depicting the tale of the two female backpackers who climbed onto the wreck at Byron Bay not so long ago, screaming ‘shark’.

Photos from Jeff Dawson’s, The Burning Man series, also proved popular.  The series depicts Dawsons’ experience of The Burning Man Festival in 2008, which he describes as ‘like being in a Salvador Dali painting’.

Emerging Artist Laura Skerlj’s three pieces created a sensation selling out in the first day. Her haunting painting with an embracing anthropomorphic crow and dog bought by local architect, Harley Graham, has so far proved to be the show favourite and would have sold many times over.

Retrospect Galleries’ owner, Bree Delain, says, “In addition to showcasing affordable works by some of our most popular artists, we also wanted to offer an opportunity to some of the new artists who have approached us with requests to exhibit their work.”

“The response has been amazing. We were inundated with submissions to the point that unfortunately we did have to turn some works away. “Based on this response, we are considering holding 12 x 12 as an annual affordable arts show, because it helps a lot of artists to get their work out there in peak tourist season and with prices being so affordable, we also hope the show will encourage people to think more broadly than boxer shorts, and give art for Christmas.”

Retrospect Galleries, North Coast's edgiest contemporary art gallery, is presenting "The Exquisite Beast' Following local artist Laura Skerlj’s sell-out success at last year’s 12 x 12 exhibition, exploring the synchronous kinship and battle between animals, humans and nature.

In a true celebration of midwinter solstice and the feminine subconscious in art, we will be hanging rooms 1 and 2 of the gallery with a group show at the same time as the Exquisite Beast with some of the regions and beyond, most exciting contemporary women artists including: Cornelia Burless, Michelle Dawson, Hillary Herrmann, Mia Taninaka, Miss Link, Donna Gee, Sarah Harvey, Birgit Henstorf, Fiona Kennedy Altoft, Jan Rae, Donna Malone and Rachel Bartram.

“It’s very unusual for a Gallery to give a solo show to an artist in their first year, but Laura is an exception. I think the public is going to be highly impressed.”

In the series of works created for the exhibition, Skerlj considers that animals speak to our subconscious and imagination in a way that reflects human behaviour - perhaps more evocatively than if we looked to our own species for answers and patterns.

The Exquisite Beast is a collection of drawings and paintings that depict subjects in imaginary, beastly, mad and romanticised guises. Excessive, strange and shape-shifting, these works imagine not only the battle but the things you catch and keep along the way.