Retrospect Galleries is thrilled to present an exhibition of works from Internationally ac...
INTRICATE LINESFine Art ExhibitionOpens 6pm, 1st February at Retrospect Galleries, 52 Jons...
July 12th - 15, 2012 Sculpture fields of Nova's Ark, Millstone Road, Bridgehamptons, NY ...
Take the time to read this wonderful three page article from Rex Airways inflight magazine...
A huge congratulations from all of us here at Retrospect Galleries to Shannon Doyle who h...
INCITE OUR IMAGINATION | Northern Star Newspaper by Helen Hawkes These ethereal Visual me...
Some of the press we received for our last exhibition Capturing Light: Northern Star | MA...
After highly successful fairs in both Brussels and London, we are now getting ready for th...
Take the time to read this wonderful three page article from Rex Airways inflight magazine about upcoming Retrospect Galleries photographer Perran Costi. His beautiful light boxes have been gracing the gallery for the last few years. Good on you Perran, we love your work!
A huge congratulations from all of us here at Retrospect Galleries to Shannon Doyle who has been selected as a Finalist in the Metro art Award, this is the work that was chosen and is titled Detention. We are so excited that Shannon is going from strength to strength and are looking forward to showin his work in ArtHamptons next week.
Some of the press we received for our last exhibition Capturing Light:
Northern Star | MArch 2012
Northern Rivers Echo | MArch 2012
Retrospect Galleries artist Mari Hirata was a recent feature in Elle online in The Art of the Shoe by Michael Solomon. Mari has featured shoes as the main focus of her artworks for many years with great success.
"...Street artist Galo Canote just painted a new mural for Christian Louboutin. See more sole-ful works by Warhol, van Gogh, Mari Hirata and others..."
Click here to read full article
Click here to see Mari Hirata's online artist gallery at Retrospect Galleries.
* Mari Hirata artworks will be on display during the Gold Coast Fashion Week - February 8-12 at our Broadbeach gallery on the Gold Coast.
"...Byron bay artist Kelly Sullivan, whose Bart Cummings portrait was one of the most talked about paintings of the night, said she was immediately drawn to his face when presented with the task..."
Rose Glasser's story "Bart inspires racing artwork" in the latest Country Life magazine discusses The Magic of Racing exhibition currently at our Broadbeach gallery.
To view the exhibition online click here
(To read full article click on the image)
We found a great story in the Paradise Magazine about one of Retrospect Galleries' artists, Shayle Flesser. Marina Saint Martin talks with Shayle about her influences and processes for her recent show at the Tweed River Regional Gallery.
"...compares creating a new body of artwork to a slow-cooked meal. You take the time to prepare the ingredients that you love (materials), throw them all in the pot together (image making) and after a good many hours (much longer than usual for a delicious meal) you take the lid off, see the juices bubbling and smell the aromas..."
Retrospect Galleries is a proud supporter of our artists through their Regional gallery shows and encourages visitors to our galleries to go and support our artists at these exhibitions.
Shayle Flesser: New Skin 2011 at the Tweed River Regional Gallery, Murwilliumbah, until January 29.
To view Shayle Flesser's artist gallery and artworks at Retrospect Galleries click here
(Click on image to read article in more detail)
"The noble art of painting and the subtle art of horse breeding join forces to depict how a winner is made..."
Retrospect Galleries latest exhibition was featured in the "On and Off the Track" in the latest Racing Queensland Magazine. This group show, "The Magic of Racing, opens this Friday, 13th January at 6pm at Retrospect Galleries Broadbeach.
...The artist who captures the most mystical and legendary bond between man and beast has a special place in the heart of art loves and horse lovers alike... "
Click here to view exhibition online...
"The very different worlds of fine art, horse breeding and racing are coming together in a special art exhibition that reflects our city's interest in the colourful and exciting equine world..."
Marina Saint Martin featured our "Magic of Racing in 'horses for courses' for the Artworld page in the Paradise magazine in the Gold Coast Bulletin. The article shows selected works from this group show opening this Friday, 13th January at 6pm at Retrospect Galleries Broadbeach.
...The result is a wide selection of artistic expression, from horse portraits and paintings of jockeys in colourful silks to some fantasy images, such as toys or domestic items with riding or racing themes... "
Click here to view the exhibition online...
(Click on image to read article)
The Sydney Morning Herald's art critic John McDonald has written an amazing review of Michelle Dawson's two paintings entered into the Portia Geach and selected as double finalists this year. This is fantastic for Michelle who has had a great year and is on the brink of her solo show at our Gold Coast Gallery in November 2011. See link below.
See the images from Michelle's new exhibition here...
"Foremost is Michelle Dawson's small portrait of the artist Rene Bolten staring at a sparrow with the kind of intensity Chairman Mao might have practised when he had these birds exterminated in 1958. This work, which was highly commended by the panel, is a superior piece of painting and quirky enough to stand out from the crowd.
To prove it's no fluke, Dawson has another impressive painting in the show, a self-portrait called The Visitation, in which she sits face-to-face with a hyena. I won't speculate on the symbolism but there's no denying the skill with which this artist paints flesh, fur and fabric".
Read Michelle's artist profile here...
Read the review in full here: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/womens-work-20111027-1mknn.html#ixzz1cWaDcpIH
Photographer Mari Hirata was featured in this months Harper's Bazaar magazine. What a fantatsic article...
"When you hear the name of a new exhibition is Wild Soles, it's reasonable to assume the work will be by Mari Hirata. The Gold Coaster is stepping into the art limelight on the topic of high-heeled shoes, the basis of her work for nearly a decade... "
Marina Saint Martin interviewed Mari Hirata in 'hands and heels' for the Artworld page in the Paradise magazine in the Gold Coast Bulletin. Showing selected works from Hirata's solo show 'Wild Soles' opening this Friday, 14th October at 6pm at Retrospect Galleries Broadbeach.
...Also for this show, 30-year-old Hirata is leaving her former comfort zone and presenting her first series of sculptural pieces... "
Click on image to read article
Wild Soles by Mari Hirata opens at Retrospect Galleries Broadbeach at 6pm Friday 14th October.
Exhibition runs until 27 October.
To view exhibition online click link here - Wild Soles by Mari Hirata
Great to see Retrospect Galleries in an article on G&T online. For those of you who don't know, G&T is an independently run Australian lifestyle magazine based in Brisbane, showcasing some of Australia’s best and brightest talent. A great site and full of inspiration!
A tiny piece from the story below...
...Just like the range of artists and styles, the gallery has a diverse range of work for sale to suit all budgets. The gallery supports emerging artists whose prices are very reasonable, meaning art lovers can purchase highly skilled original work at a great price. Additionally, Retrospect represent nationally recognised artists whose work sells at prices aimed toward the higher end of the contemporary market...
... The galleries don’t like to be fenced in and as a result, showcase a wide variety of works ranging from street/urban art, through to the finest of draughtsmanship and painterly works...
Click on link to view full article - http://giftedandtalented.net.au/2011/09/12/a-new-retrospective/
Byron Bay artist Rene Bolton was profiled in Coast Living Magazine this month...
"Much like his art, Rene Bolten is gentle, humble and unassuming. But while his paintings are dark and sombre, he is friendly and quick to laugh - there's humour and kindness in his eyes. He was born in The Netherlands in 1954 and studied art at the Academy Reitveld in Amsterdam..." Rene is one of the five artists who is part of The Drawing Groups exhibition opening 6pm Friday at Byron Bay.
See The Drawing Group Show here...
Michelle Timotin from the Get It Magazine snapped some of the faces at the recent Drawn Forth exhibition opening at our Broadbeach gallery.
"A stylish group of artists and -in-the-know locals packed our Retrospect Galleries at the Oracle for the opening of the Drawn Forth exhibition. As they were served delicious canapes and wine, guests were mesmerised by over 20 artists' extraordinary drawings..."
The exhibition has since moved to our Byron Bay gallery
Click here to go to the Drawn Forth exhibition online
"Growing up in an environment where performance and dance were very much part of day-to-day living has given a Spanish-born photographic artist a unique perspective..."
Marina Saint Martin interviewed Alberto Sanchez in 'photofinish' for the Artworld page for Paradise magazine. Showing selected works from Sanchez's new body of works for his upcoming show, El Duelo, opening this Friday at Retrospect Galleries, Broadbeach she discusses with Sanchez the inspirations behind his works and his background that influences him to this day.
"... the series portrays not only these amazing acrobats, but is a celebration of the human body and human spirit to strive and to succeed. All are presented in a 'timeless, surreal scenario', very much like the performance itself..."
Click on image of article to read article
El Duelo by Alberto Sanchez opens at Retrospect Galleries in Broadbeach 6pm Friday 19th August.
Exhibition runs until September 1.
To view exhibition online click link here - El Duelo by Alberto Sanchez
The Coast Confidential team of Regina King and Peter Flowers once again captured the spirit on Friday night for the exhibition opening of the solo shows by artists Fiona Kennedy-Altoft and Melitta Perry.
"How could a girl refuse an invitation that says "Frocks, Feathers, Furs", especially if it is also Fiona Kennedy-Altoft's latest exhibition at Retrospect Galleries at the Oracle. And so it was on Friday night that art lovers young and old gathered to admire the whimsical works that Fiona has created based on observations of the people around her and the animals she sees in them. Her humorous, imaginative paintings have won several awards and will bring a smile to your face..."
(Image: (L-R) Artist Melitta Perry, Artist Fiona Kennedy-Altoft, Retrospect Galleries Owner Bree Delian)
One of our favourite magazines, Ocean Road Magazine came along to the latest exhibition opening at our Broadbeach gallery on Friday night for Fiona Kennedy-Altoft and Melitta Perry.
A great night was had by all and we thank them for sharing their images with us.
Click here for link to story and photos of the opening night from Ocean Road Magazine.
Here we have Jan Van Dijk's exciting new work chosen as a finalist in the Sunshine Coast Art Prize. We never have any idea what Jan will come up with next and it's always exciting to see his work. 'Blue Beard's Cane Chair' is 122 x 122cm, Oils, oil pastel, pencil and aerosol on board. Congratulations to you Jan and good luck from all the team at Retrospect Galleries.
See Jan's profile here..
This is the picture of Blue Beard's Cane Chair
One of our artists Alberto Sanchez decided to look in an envelope he thought was an invoice and found out had been selected as a finalist for the Sunshine Coast Art Prize.
He joins other Retrospect Galleries artists Deb Mostert, Lisa Lee, Fiona Kennedy-Altoft and Jan Van Dijk. See the homepage of the awards here..
The image chosen for selection was his hand-painted photograph El Duelo pictured. Which is also the feature work for his solo coming up in August in our broadbeach gallery title El Duelo as well. See our upcoming exhibitions here...
This is his chosen work..
El Duelo
Celebrating mothers day, one of our favourite mums Deb Mostert is announced one of 40 finalists in this years Sunshine Coast Art Prize with her fantastic painting Vintage Fridge Magnets and Swizzle Sticks. This is her second year in a row for this prize. This work is from her series of swizzle sticks and now is a good time to purchase one of Deb's beautiful paintings.
Visit her profile here to see some fantastic available works...
Congratulations to Fiona Kennedy-Altoft who continues her award streak with her finalist nomination in the Sunshine Art Awards with her Magpie piece titled Offspring. The work shows a Magpie mother with her two little children, a clever parody on the housewife and motherhood, a very fitting post for Mothers Day.
At Retrospect Galleries, we're very excited about her upcoming solo show on the 17th June 2011 called Frocks Feathers Fur
For more information of Fiona and to see here available works please visit her profile here...
This is her selected painting Offspring
One of our popular guest artists at Retrospect Galleries, filmmaker Shaun Tan recently won the Academy Award for best animated short film with The Lost Thing.
The Lost Thing, which took over three years to create, is a 15-minute fable about a boy in Melbourne who, while collecting bottle caps near a beach, discovers a strange creature that seems to be a combination of an industrial boiler, a crab and an octopus.
Read more about Shaun's Oscar win here
Click here to view Shaun Tan's profile on Retrospect Galleries and see available works
Directors Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann accept the award for Best Animated Short Film for 'The Lost Thing'. Photo: Getty Images
The Byron Shire Echo
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
A beautifully stretched canvas
"Jess Bowen of Mud Honey fame adds to her tattoo collection courtesy of Lennox Head custom ink artist Millie Zavattaro. The performance needling was part of the Revolution of Art, Retrospect Gallery's annual urban art exhibition." Photo Jeff'Heart On Sleeve'Dawson
You can read the article here...
The Byron Shire Echo
June 22, 2010
ArtsCape ready to storm the beachfront
"Biennial sculpture exhibition artsCape workers will be installing pieces in Clarkes Beach Reserve, Byron Bay, from Wednesday June 23 to Friday 25 with the assistance of Dune Care ArtsCape is open to the public form Saturday 26 and all are welcome to the official opening at the Beach Hotel on Sunday June 27 qt 2pm.
The beachfront will be home to works from local, national, and international sculptors. They will create sculptures which convey messages about the environment and sustainability through 'humour, beauty, mystery and surprise.'
In addition, over 40 of the artists from artsCape Biennal 2010 will exhibit small wall, floor and suspended interior sculptures at Retrospect Galleries in Byron Bay. The exhibition opens at 6pm on Friday and runs until Wednesday July 7..."
You can read the article here...
Retrospect galleries staff pose for Byron Bay Echo photographer extraordinaire Jeff Dawson. All staff members are dressed in retro themes by Yo Yo Clothing Byron Bay to celebrate the opening of their new exhibition Retroism.
In order of appearance from left to Right Elise Juin, Kareem Rizk, Kellie O'Dempsey, Michelle Dawson, Alberto Sanchez.
The Weekend Australian review 12-13 June 2010
Bert Flugelman talks to Rosemary Neil about his eventful career in sculpture.
Born in Austria in 1923, Bert Flugelman arrived in Australia in 1938. He studied painting under Frank Hinder at the National Art School before heading overseas to further his training, including exploring the breadth of emerging contemporary art ideas and practices. Since returning to Australia in 1955 he has worked tirelessly to establish himself as one of the best-known and influential sculptors working in Australia today.
Retrospect Galleries are very excited about two of Bert's sculptures coming to the artsCape Indoor Sculpture Show. View the exhibition here...
See details about Slender Spiral here...
See details about Double Archway here...
Courrier Mail
Discover a country gem
Northern South Wales is home to a vibrant mix of emerging and professional artists
"If you are heading down the highway for the holiday season, check out the dynamic arts scene in northern New South Wales. It has the highest per capita concentration of artists in the Country outside of the capital cities and is home to a mix of professional and emerging artists.
Several, such as James Guppy, Ken Johnson, Angus McDonald, Jan Van Dijk and Noel Hart, sell locally as well as nationally and internationally.
Although part of the attraction is the physical beauty of the region, there are also some excellent galleries - public ones such as Lismore, Tweed and Grafton, and a community gallery at Ballina.
At Byron bay, the commercial galleries Retrospect and Wayward are worth seeing.
To get a glimpse of the diversity of artwork available, you can pick up the handsome, slim volume recently published by Retrospect Galleries of their artists."
Courrier Mail
Retroism
Taking things out of context
Byron Bay hosts a fascinating look at some juxtaposed iconic images
"While we are surrounded by them, the objects of our time appear unremarkable. However, over the distance of decades and out of their original context, they can look truly bizarre.
It's this strangeness created by displacement that is the theme of the a new exhibition called, Retroism, now showing, naturally enough, at Retrospect Gallery in Byron Bay. It explores the recent explosion of interest in popular and nostalgic imagery form the 1920s to the 1970s.
The 12 artists, a mix of international and national, have used collage in one form or another to produce results that vary hugely in style and focus. They include Americans Robert Mars, Cecil Touchon and Charles Wilkin, Dutch artist Handiedan and Germany's Mario Wagner. "
The Northern Rivers Echo
Chooks head to Melbourne art fair
Andy Parks | 22nd April 2010
The night washes away what the day has soaped (detail) by Katka Adams.
"Eleven Northern Rivers artists will be represented at Art Melbourne 2010, one of the largest and most exciting art fairs in the country.
The night washes away what the day has soaped (detail) by Katka Adams.
Eleven Northern Rivers artists will be represented at Art Melbourne 2010, one of the largest and most exciting art fairs in the country.
Among them is Clunes-based artist Katka Adams, who will have 29 of her works on display.
“It’s such a great opportunity because it exposes you to a new audience. There are a lot of art dealers and galleries from Melbourne there, so it’s great exposure,” she said.
Katka has previously had one piece in a group exhibition in Melbourne, but this time she will have 15 still life drawings and her whole chicken series.
“I was doing a series for the Tweed Gallery and I had one picture that had a bed in it and I was trying different things to go on bed... I tried a kitten but that wasn’t working and I saw an image of a rooster and drew it on the bed and it looked great. I sold it straight away and I really enjoyed drawing it,” she said.
From there she drew a Sumatran rooster that won first prize in the North Coast National Tursa Art Prize and has now completed a series of 14 pastel drawings involving various breeds of chickens in various domestic situations.
“I’m fascinated by the different shapes and sizes and colours of the different breeds... They have so much character and people seem to relate to them as humans... The titles all come from proverbs, it’s like passing on little snippets of advice to the next generation,” she said.
Other Northern Rivers artists to be represented at Art Melbourne include John Cottrell, Hilary Hermann, Michelle Dawson, Rodney Black, Shane Martin, Kellie O’Dempsey, Nikky Morgan, Rick Shearman, Alberto Sanchez and Ross Tamlin.
The North Coast entourage is being organised by Bree Delian, Director of Retrospect Galleries in Byron Bay.
“I am incredibly pleased at the standard of works that have submitted by these local artists and suspect that many of the visitors to Arts Melbourne will be similarly impressed,” she said."
The Far North Coaster online magazine
Northern Rivers artists represented at Art Melbourne
April 21, 2010
"Eleven Northern Rivers artists will be represented at Art Melbourne 2010, one of the largest and most exciting art fairs in the country.
Retrospect Galleries, Byron Bay, will represent local artists John Cottrell, Katka Adams, Hilary Hermann, Michelle Dawson, Rodney Black, Shane Martin, Kellie O’Dempsey, Nikky Morgan, Rick Shearman, Alberto Sanchez and Ross Tamlin, at this prestigious arts event, which takes place at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, from Thursday April 22 to Sunday April 25.
Bree Delian, Director of Retrospect Galleries, says she is confident that this showcase of North Coast talent will be one of the big hits of this year’s Art Melbourne event.
“I am incredibly pleased at the standard of works that have submitted by these local artists and suspect that many of the visitors to Arts Melbourne will be similarly impressed,” she says.
“Last year we represented six local artists at Art Sydney and had an amazing response, selling works by every single one of them.
“The annual Melbourne and Sydney art fairs are incredibly well-attended and represent a fantastic opportunity for local arts practitioners to gain much broader recognition for their work and develop a following interstate and overseas.”
Among the works being shipped to Melbourne this week are a new series of Kellie O’Dempsey’s stunning movement drawings, some beautiful still lifes by Katka Adams, a selection of Alberto Sanchez’s romantic photo-montage paintings, and a pre-release of new fairytale inspired works from Hilary Herrmann, currently in development for the upcoming Retrospect exhibition, Once Upon a Time.
Delian says a highlight of the Art Melbourne show would have to be local artist Michelle Dawson’s original drawings from the book ‘how WEIRD is that…’, for which she was short-listed for the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s 2009 Crichton Award for Best New Illustrator.
The 18 small graphite drawings showcase the fascinating hybrid creature-characters featured in the publication, including the intriguing dog-headed possum, marsupial wolf, peregrine cheetah, pig bat and zebra finch.
Michelle will be attending Art Melbourne with Retrospect Galleries and will be giving away a signed copy of the book with each original drawing sold.
You can check out the Art Melbourne show at www.retrospectgalleries.com."
You can read the article here...
PICTURE: Eight of the 11 local artists who will be represented at Art Melbourne – Back row L to R, Michelle Dawson, Alberto Sanchez, John Cottrell, Shane Martin, Hilary Herrmann. Front row, L to R, Katka Adams, Kellie O’Dempsey, Rebecca Kinsey (AKA Dolores Cupcake).
The Far North Coaster
online magazine
The art of death and dying
October 21, 2009
PICTURE: Nic Plowman’s Birth of Mortality.
"Nothing is more certain in life than death, yet it’s an experience that’s commonly hidden from our everyday reality.
A new exhibition brings the mystery out into the light and provides an opportunity to celebrate the loss of our loved ones.
In Mexico, November 1st is celebrated every year as the Day of the Innocents or the Day of the Little Angels.
November 2nd is the better-known holiday, the Day of the Dead, when large groups of family and friends invade graveyards en masse, to celebrate and commune with their dear departed.
By comparison, Western society often makes very little of death, hiding those we have lost away in eternally quiet cemeteries.
Sadness and grief are individual pursuits largely dealt with behind closed doors, or in clinics where grief-ridden family and friends boost already frightening statistics concerning Australia’s depressed population.
Byron Bay personality Zenith Virago is part of a small committed group who are trying to change this aspect of our local culture.
A celebrant of life’s most momentous circumstance, she has for the past 15 years specialised in the fields of love and marriage, and death and dying.
Since 2007, Virago has organised an annual event, where people come together to honour their dead, in a bid to make death more familiar.
Held in Mullumbimby on the second Sunday in November, it’s a step towards a healthier community that allows people to deal with bereavement.
Art is a really big part of that process, she believes, and has therefore become a major element of her celebration.
The first hour of the event is an opportunity for people to make something as a memento of those that they miss – a prayer flag, clay heart or anything they want, and inscribe it with a message.
Bree Delian from Retrospect Galleries Byron Bay agrees that art plays an important role in bridging the gap between life and ‘the other’.
Concerned that a lot of the ritual surrounding death in other societies is lost in the West, she has decided it’s time for a reminder.
“Although we are confronted by death and violence in the media every day, we have shunted it away in our society,” she comments.
“In pagan societies there was a much stronger connection and a much more outward display of death, which was beautiful and beneficial to people.”
“Looking at Mexico’s Day of the Dead, it’s so alien to us that people dress up, go to gravesites, take food for their ancestors, sing them songs, take part in parades and festivities.
“But looking at other cultures and how they deal with death and give it purpose, can give life a new purpose too.”
This year, for the first time, Delian is organising an exhibition that gives artists the opportunity to explore the boundaries of religion, death, magic and mystery.
Featuring works by more than 20 established and emerging international, national and local artists, she hopes that The Day of the Dead will give people a glimpse into the realm of mystery, and make us rethink the importance of ritual.
Well-known local artist James Guppy is amongst those who have agreed to be in the show, which he says deals with a theme he has been painting for decades.
“Once we have a consciousness of death, we live our whole lives with it,” Guppy said.
“Very early on in my career, one of my earliest works was a painting about the death of my father.
“These days I often allude to death in my work and sometimes quite explicitly, using symbols such as flowers, in an effort to imbue the mystery of our passing to this ‘amniotic other place’ with a sense of poetic significance.”
Guppy has known Zenith Virago for years and says they are both striving to give death meaning.
“Zenith’s work is about introducing rituals that make it easier for the survivors to find sense in all of this,” he says. “I’m just trying to find meaning for myself, and hopefully that will help others.”
Brisbane artist Nic Plowman has been practising successfully for years but has largely come to public’s attention since his sellout 2008 Magic Sex Death exhibition.
31 years ago Plowman was born with a congenital heart disease and has spent his whole life in and out of hospitals and on medication.
Whilst the concept of death isn’t something that a lot of young people even think about, he says he can’t remember a time when those thoughts weren’t part of his reality.
Magic Sex Death is a collection of searing self-portraits in which skeletal figures and symbols such as crows frequently appear, surrounding the artist, as he appears attached to a variety of medical equipment.
“In trying to convey my experience of life and death to the viewer, I’ve realised that the most personal art is sometimes the most universal,” Plowman said.
“I know that one of the people who has bought a lot of my art is an open-heart surgeon. You never know who’s looking at your work and what life experience they’re bringing to it.”
Zenith Virago, James Guppy and Nic Plowman will share their experiences of art, death and modern ritual in a panel discussion to be held on Halloween eve at Harvest Café, Newrybar, Saturday, October 31st.
Limited tickets are available at $60 per person, which includes a two-course meal and drink on arrival. Bookings at Retrospect Galleries, Byron Bay, 6680 8825.
The Day of the Dead exhibition opens 6pm-9pm on Sunday November 1, until November 22.
It features works by local Northern Rivers’ artists James Guppy, Hilary Herrmann, Michelle Dawson, Christine Wilcox, Katka Adams, Stephen Phibbs, Anna Nordstrom, Cornelia Burless, Craig Martin, Alberto Sanchez and Cornelius Delaney, Brisbane’s Nic Plowman, Jan Van Djirk and Aileen Timbrell, Sydneysiders Andrew Hmnelinsky and Luke Taffe, Californians Harry the Hat and Kelsey Brookes, Tokyo based Aoife Tamura.
Dress in the style of Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations and join the artists for an evening of art, wine and live music with Mexico Lindo.
More information, www.retrospectgalleries.com"
Byron Bay Echo
Revolution of Art
Street art takes over the gallery walls in Byron Bay
"A new exhibition opening in Byron Bay in Friday July 24 showcases the urban art phenomenon in a global context. 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 painter Kelsey Brookes (USA) and pop artist Denis Ropar (Adelaide), alongside young and emerging artists from Asia, Australia, Europe and the US, who are just starting to make a name for themselves on the urban art scene..."
Ballina Information Blog
Good News Tax Break for Art Lovers in Business
"The ATO has announced a tax break for small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $2 million. Until 21 December, businesses are eligible to receive an investment allowance of up to 50% on new art assets over $1,000.
Retrospect Galleries Director, Bree Delian says she is over the moon to hear about the investment allowance.
“It’s been a tough year for the arts community,” she says. “Not just locally – where we are the last of Byron’s commercial galleries left standing, but also Australia wide, and internationally. Over 200 galleries have closed down in New York alone.”
“The tax break is a real incentive for people to spend and we hope it will stimulate interest in some of the amazing artists that we represent, many of whom are from the Northern Rivers.”
Retrospect Galleries are offering an additional 10% discount to local businesses in Byron, Ballina, Lismore or Tweed Shires on eligible artworks that meet the minimum spend criteria. If you’re unsure about what you should buy, Bree is more than happy to help with a free consultancy service."
Local artist Noel Hart (left) and Stephen Phibbs with some of their work available through Retrospect Galleries, Byron Bay
Evan Malcolm Byron Tik - Inverted
"INVERTED is a unique collaboration between visual artist Byron Tik and photographer Evan Malcolm who find parallels and common ground in their passionate interpretation of the beauty and shape celebrated in human form.
Both artists and 2 models experimented over several sessions with new approaches to their work, using paint, collages, photography, and projections to create the first ‘Inverted’ exposition.
The project will show paintings and photographic prints of both artists, with featured colours being a deep red offset against a solid black, giving the works a mysterious and rich feel, taking you on a journey of colour and bodyscape."
RETROSPECT GALLERIES
52 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
INVERTED BYRON TIK + EVAN MALCOLM
27 JUNE - 11 JULY 2008 | EXHIBITION OPENING 6PM, FRIDAY JUNE 27
Retrospect Art Gallery
Retrospect Galleries in conjunction with Stupidkrap are hosting an radical group show Where Mighty Giants Dwell in Byron Bay starting the weekend of August 1st to 3rd to coincide with the annual Splendour in the Grass music festival. Bands such as DEVO, The Presets, Vampire Weekend, and PNAU will now be joined by the relative A-Z of urban artists, allowing a truly mixed media experience for those in Byron Bay this August.
The exhibition will open at Retrospect Galleries on Friday 1st August from 6- 10pm and will be running until August 17th. With works from over 40 artists, the show offers serious art collectors the ability to acquire original paintings, sculptures and fine art prints from a carefully selected group of celebrated and emerging urban and graffiti artists. For the more casual art-lover, the exhibition also includes art-toys and hard-to-find art print clothing ranges. Local artists along with some of the Sydney-based artists will be attending the opening event. With a celebrity DJ to be confirmed, the opening night will be a fantastic event and is free to all members of the public.
We would love to see you there!!
>> Retrospect Galleries :: 52 Jonson Street Byron Bay NSW 2481 T: 02 6680 8825 E: info@retrospectgalleries.com W: http://www.retrospectgalleries.com < <
Contemporary Indigenous art of the Northern Rivers
RETROSPECT GALLERIES, A Special Kind of Vision
"Retrospect Galleries in conjunction with Arts Northern Rivers are proud to invite you to the opening of A special kind of vision, an exhibition of works by 25 of the region premier contemporary Indigenous artists, including:
- Albert (Digby) Moran - painter, winner of the Inaugural People Choice Award, National Aboriginal and Islander Art Award Exhibition in Darwin in 2000;
- Karla Dickens - painter, assemblage, installation artist and mixed media artist, recipient of a $20,000 Australia Council Skills and Development grant, 2009;
- Garth Lena - sculptor and ceramicist, winner of the NSW Indigenous Parliament Prize, 2006
- Alison Williams - painter, sculptor and ceramicist, recipient of the $15,000 biennial NSW Indigenous arts fellowship award, 2008;
- And Frances Belle Parker painter and installation artist, who at the age of 15, became the youngest winner of the Blake Prize for religious art, in the competition's 49 year history and the only Indigenous prize winner to boot, in 2000.
The exhibition is being held in conjunction with the launch of a book of the same name, a stunning 84-page full colour document published by Arts Northern Rivers, which provides a fascinating insight into local contemporary Aboriginal arts practice.
Exhibition opening 6pm Friday March 6
Retrospect Galleries, 52 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Exhibition dates
Friday March 6 to Thursday March 26, 2009"
The Exquisite Beast
"It’s Midwinter, the time of year when Persephone travels to the underworld and ritual celebrations follow the shortest day of the year as we head towards spring and times of harvest and fertility. This transformation of the seasons is being mirrored in Laura Skerlj’s debut solo ‘The Exquisite Beast’ and a fantastic group show now on at Retrospect Galleries highlighting metamorphosis, hybridity, folklore, shape shifting and the darkly poetic emergence of the feminine subconscious in art.
We invite you to join us for an exciting panel with four of our beloved women artists who will discuss the inspiration and processes held in their subconscious and what they draw on to create their multi-layered masterpieces. Retrospect Galleries Curator Bree Delian will host this talk and the panel consists of Michelle Dawson, (shortlisted for the CBA 2009 Crichton Award for Best New Illustrator) Hilary Herrmann, Cornelia Burless (finalist in the Prometheus art award 2009) and Laura Skerlj. We invite audience involvement and will be taking questions from the floor.
The talk will be held at Retrospect Galleries on Sunday 6th July at 1 pm and tickets will be limited to 30. We only have about 10 tickets left, so please book your place now. Cost is $15 including aromatic mulled wine and sumptuous fruits.
Please call us on 6680 8825 or email us at admin@retrospectgalleries.com to secure your place.
Do not reply to this email as we won’t get it!
We look forward to seeing you there
Retrospect Galleries"
You can read the article here...
Byron Bay Shire Echo
Images of the Antarctic which inspired Happy Feet
"Recently Mullumbimby resident Howard Whelan of Whelan Produtions staged an exhibition of his photographs of Antarctica, called 'Endangered Ice', at Retrospect Galleries (www.retrospectgalleries.com/) in Byron Bay.
More than 40 of Howard's photos, representing some of his best Antarctic work over 12 years, were printed on canvas and on special museum-quality photographic paper.
His images were used as the basis for the computer animation of the block-buster movie Happy Feet."
You can read the article here...
Byron Bay Echo
Once Upon A Time Twice
"A new exhibition opening at Retrospect Galleries this week explores notions of the past through the work of four local artists whose stories began in Europe. Bangalow artist Hilary Herrmann Arrived in Melbourne at the age of two, with her parents, political refugees from Nazi Germany via Kenya. Hot on her heels was Clunes based artist Katka Adams who had just turned seven before she reached our shores, having made a similar departure from Czechoslovakia. Byron artist Cornelia Burless arrived here of her own accord at the age of 18, with plans for a year overseas and a few basic words of heavily accented Bavarian English. Last Saturday night at Harvest Cafe these three local artists presented a series of short talks, in which each shared diverse stories from their pasts - of far away beginnings , introductions to Australian life, and how they ended up making a home in our religion. The talks were a prelude to an exhibition they have opening this week, at Retrospect Galleries, Byron Bay, called Once Upon A Time, in which they explore notions of the past, childhood memory and the influence of the fairytale. Opens 6pm Friday at Retrospect Galleries in Byron."
Check out Johnny Romeos interview with the Foxtel arts channel below, check out whats on in his busy schedule with details out about his upcoming exhibitions.
http://www.stvdio.com.au/article/1317/step-into-a-stvdio-with-johnny-romeo/
Congratulations to Byron Bay photographer Alberto Sanchez, who was recently named Runner Up ‘Queensland Portrait Photographer of the Year,’ at the 2010 Queensland Australian Institute of Professional Photography Awards. Alberto entered into the annual industry competition and picked up 9 awards including one silver distinction and eight silver awards. He also entered four works in the prestigious AIPP National Awards last weekend and won four awards; one silver with distinction and three silver awards. All of his portraits were taken at the annual MobFest week long workshops and concerts celebrated last October in the Australian desert.
QLD AIPP AWARDS
In the Category of Portrait.
Silver Distinction
Silver Awards
Northen Star
El Mar Mi Alma - The Sea my Soul
" Party to launch a month long series of international surf art and culture will be held at the Harvest Cafe, Newrybar next Friday. The launch will showcase surf art, films and photography, which will be featured in events throughout March, including the Byron Bay Film Festival and an exhibition at Retrospect Galleries in Byron Bay. [...] The art of surfing will also be on show at Retrospect Galleries, when it presents El Mar Mi Alma - The Exhibition, which will explore the global phenomenon of surf art across a multitude of media from artists around the world, including Hawaii, USA, Chile and Australia."
Byron Bay Echo
El Mar Mi Alma - The Sea my Soul
Sea my Soul
"Friday night at Harvest Cafe Newrybar, you can get a taste of what's coming up in March as part of a local celebration of local surf art and culture, showcasing new and different perspectives on our relationship whit the ocean, through film, photography, painting, drawing and sculpture."
Northen Star
Retroism
A resurgence of retro hits the walls of Retrospect Gallery
"An exhibition will open in Byron Bay next week that chronicles the resurgence of interest in popular nostalgic imagery from 1980s. The Retroism exhibition will feature 12 renowned artists from around the world who work with mixed media to create pieces that narrate the collective desire to live life at a slower pace."
Byron Bay Echo
Retroism time travels to 20th century
"A new exhibition opening this week at Retrospect Galleries takes a trip back in time to the best of the 20th Century. 'Retroism' features works by 12 internationally accomplished artists including renowned US artist Robert Mars, whose multimedia works reflect a longing for a different America - be - fore 'independent aesthetic of the not-so-distant past was replaced by homogenised corporate culture and standardised cityscapes."
Byron Bay Echo
Painting Death
"Retrospect Galleries presents a group exhibition exploring the boundaries of religion, death, magic and mystery, featuring works by local Northern Rivers' artists James Guppy, Hilary Herrmann, Michelle Dawson, Anna Nordstrum, Katka Adams, Cornelia Burless, and Alberto Sanchez, Brisbane's Nic Plowman, Jan Van Djirk and Eileen Timbrell, Sydneysiders Andrew Hmnelinsky and Luke Taaffe, Californians Harry the Hat and Kelsey Brookes and Tokyo based Aoife Tamura."
Byron Bay Echo
Once Upon a Time
"This Saturday all your darkest fairy tales come alive with an exhibition at Harvest Cafe in Newrybar. Presented in conjunction with Retrospect Galleries, this latest showing features the works by local artists Katka Adams, Cornelia Burless and Hilary Herrmann, who all spend their early years in Europe."
Byron Shire News
Miniatures art show - Petits Travaux
Miniature artworks take centre stage at Byron gallery
"Retrospect Gallery in Byron Bay is presently holding its annual miniatures art show, 'Petits Travaux'. Held in the lead-up to Christmas, Retrospect Galleries' annual miniatures show is all about making original works by some of their most popular artists more affordable. Thirty-five of the galleries' top-selling creatives have been asked to submit nine works each, with individual pieces measuring 10 x 10 inches."
Byron Bay Echo
Miniatures Show - Petits Travaux
Mine Me
"If you have been hankering after an artwork but feeling nervous about the prices, you might find something to put a smile on your face at Retrospect Galleries' annual miniature art show, Petits Travaux. Smaller artworks equal smaller prices, with originals by some amazing local, national and international artists available from $100."
Byron Bay Echo
Man woman beast : hybrids
"Man Woman Beast is an exhibition of new works from Bangalow's Michelle Dawson and Brisbane based Jan Van Dijk. Inspired by the fantastical creatures of myth and legend, the pair present a showcase of unexpected existence, from 'Dawson's 'Dr Moreau's Kitten' - with its leopard's head, month's wings and serpent's tail - to Van Dijk 'Jack Reindeer' - an evocative exploration of human animal hybrid forms."
Byron Bay Echo
Kellie O'Dempsey Live Drawing Performance
Painting Knie
"Retrospect Galleries presents local artist Kellie O'Dempsey live and in exhibition over Easter. Join Kellie from 10am Sunday as she creates one of her trademark large scale artworks, during a live drawing performance in conjunction with local musicians, The Knie."
Paradise Magazine (Gold Coast)
El Mar Mi Alma - The Sea My Soul
Surfing the soul
"Surfing is more than a physical experience for James McMillan. It is also one of the major aesthetics of his life, as well as both his personal and professional raison d'etre. McMillan, 39, who was placed world No. 7 in competitive surfing and snowboarding in 2001, admits he has lost some of the competitive spirit, and will even 'sacrifice a wave' to watch birds riding the crest of a wave, in order to paint the experience
Birds, he says, are very much of his current body work of work. For his part in the upcoming exhibition, El Mar Mi Alma (The Sea My Soul) in Byron Bay next month, as well as a series of surf-oriented paintings, he is creating a series of plywood cut-outs of surfing birds to hang around the gallery as installations."
Byron Bay Echo
The Inbetween
New art show at Retrospect
"There was a great turnout at Retrospect Galleries on Friday night for the opening of The Inbetween, a new exhibition featuring intricate works on wood by artists Luke Taaffe and Mia Taninaka, pictured."
Photo Jeff Dawson
Byron Bay Echo
In Retrospect Book
Book Book Book
"Restrospect Galleries, Byron Bay, has just published a new full colour 140 page book introducing 34 of the artists that they represent. In Retrospect 10 comprises Q & A style interviews and three full pages of images for each of the featured artists who include Dolores Cupcake, Dennis Ropar, Fawn Gehwellar and Kelsey Brookes. The book is intended as an annual publication, with planning for In Retrospect 11 already underway."
Byron Bay Echo
Once Upon A Time
A harvest of art tales at Newrybar
"On Saturday May 29 Harvest Cafe at Newrybar will be transformed to an intimate art space for an evening of art, discussion , great food, wine, music and more. Presented in conjunction with Retrospect Galleries, Byron Bay, Once Upon A Time at Harvest Cafe is an introduction to Retrospect's upcoming Once Upon A Time exhibition, in which four local artists who spent their early years in Europe, come together to explore notions of the past."
ART IN THE OPEN – KELLIE O’DEMPSEY
Story by Julie Clark, photos of Kellie O’Dempsey by Cal MacKinnon
"The room is set, musicians begin to play and the audience holds its breath in silence as a woman in a gown takes centre stage, looking every bit the diva. But instead of a microphone she holds in her hand a piece of charcoal/ a pen/a paintbrush. And with a sweeping glance at the scene before her eyes she begins to draw on the huge canvas/paper hung in the window."
“All of my work is site-specific”
Kellie explains. “As is my choice of music or performers.”
“At the Tweed I wanted to respond to the incredible views from the Gallery across to Mt Warning, so I decided to create the work on large panels that filled four of the window spaces. Then I invited The KNIE to come on board, and everything else was down to the audience.”
Kareem Rizk
Artist profile and extract from In Retrospect 10, published by Retrospect Galleries, Byron Bay.
Jan Van Dijk
Artist profile and extract from In Retrospect 10, published by Retrospect Galleries, Byron Bay.
"While this year's judge of the Olive Cotton Award, respected photographer Dean Sewell, could obviously only choose one winner (Richard O'Farrell with Savitri) he also Highly Commended four finalists. And one of them was Byron Bay photographer Alberto Sanchez-Peinador with 'Frank', taken on a recent trip to his native Madrid."
You can read the article here...
"Four Highly Commended Awards were also chosen for 2009. These include touching portrait Frank by Alberto Shanchez-Peinador of Byron Bay, Sibling Rage by John Slaytor, The Last Supper, My Father's Death by Adam Hollingworth and The Bad Seeds by Stephen Dupont (Director's Award)."
Byron Bay photographer Alberto Sanchez-Peinador's Frank highly commended during the 2009 Olive Cotton Award.
Artist profile of Alberto Sanchez and extract from In Retrospect 10, published by Retrospect Galleries, Byron Bay.
Frank scores for Alberto
"Of the more than 100 photos chosen to hang in the prestigious Olive Cotton portrait prize, Byron's Alberto Sanchez was the only regional photographer judge Dean Sewell chose to highly commend."
Olive Cotton 2009 Award
Alberto Sanchez highly commended for the Olive Cotton Award for photographic portraiture for 2009.
Urban artists turning the tables on in-your-face advertising
Ben Frost aims to be confronting, writes Megan Kinninmemt
"Police have shut down his exhibitions, he’s received legal letters from disgruntled corporations asking him to ‘cease and desist’ and television shows Sunrise and Today Tonight have debated the worth of his ‘urban’ art."
Urban artists’ show ties in with Splendour
Retrospect Gallery in Byron Bay will host a collaborative art installation /group show in Byron Bay from tomorrow until Sunday to coincide with the annual Splendour in the Grass music festival.
Revolution of Art’s show
‘Messages from Above’ – Byron artist Delores Cupcake (aka Bek Kinsey) is one of six Byron artists who are part of the 40 thought provocateurs that make up the Urban Art exhibition on show at Retrospect Gallery in Jonson Street, Byron Bay, until August 17.
A Touch of Ben Frost
Every week when I come to The Echo a stencil artist has added a new artwork to our front entrance. It’s become a mini stencil gallery of understated elegant work, that hangs anonymously. I am a fan of public art. Not expensive sculptures in town squares, but our post modern Michelangelo’s: words of images juxtaposed in an urban environment. The Urban artist seeks to do what the anarchist come marxist come anti-establishmentarian did 30 years ago, and that is ‘subvert the dominant paradigm’.
Nikky Morgan-Smith
Artist profile and extract from In Retrospect 10, published by Retrospect Galleries, Byron Bay.
Luke Taaffe
Artist profile and extract from In Retrospect 10, published by Retrospect Galleries, Byron Bay.
Surreal look at animals, humans and nature
For her debut solo show, The Exquisite Beast, Alstonville artist Laura Skerlj has drawn inspiration from the Surrealists of the early 20th century.
RHYTHMS: Artist Jan Rae with her work Musica Viva, pictured at her Taste of Tango exhibition at Retrospect Gallery, Byron Bay.
Jan takes dance into paint
An exhibition of dance in paint will be the opening event of the Byron Bay Tango Festival, which will run throughout the first weekend of September. For dance lovers the there will be a tango performance and great music throughout the night.
Artist supports her community
Wanting to give back to the community she’s been a part of for so long, artist Jan Rae has decided to donate the sale price from one of her Tango paintings to the Northern Rivers Community Foundation. The painting was featured in a recent exhibition of her work at Byron’s Retrospect Gallery. The $780 cheque presented to foundation treasurer George Lewin also included Retrospect’s commission which they likewise felt inspired to donate.
Northen Star
In Retrospect Book
Retrospectively speaking it’s a modern world
"IN RETROSPECT is a beautifully produced book of artworks, accompanied by thoughts on life, art and everything, by artists associated with the Retrospect Galleries in Byron Bay, which will be launched at the gallery this evening at 5.30pm. Put together by gallery director Bree Delian, the book exemplifies the works of artists who exhibit at Retrospect. Most are North Coast locals, but some live interstate and two are from other countries. Each of the 34 artists is introduced with a brief biography, and has also answered a series of questions which illuminate their attitudes to their work and their world. This is not a stodgy gallery catalogue; it is bright, entertaining and full of wonderful pictures to look at again and again."
Our beautiful Northern Rivers component to Art Melbourne and some of the works they have created specifically for the Exhibit.
Locals on show at Art Melbourne
"Eleven Northern Rivers’ artists will be represented at Art Melbourne 2010, one of the largest and most exciting art fairs in the country. Retrospect Galleries Byron Bay will be representing local artists John Cottrell, Katka Adams, Hilary Herrmann, Michelle Dawson, Rodney Black, Shane Martin , Kellie O'Dempsey, Nikky Morgan, Rick Shearman, Alberto Sanchez and Ross Tamlin, as this prestigious arts event, which takes place from Thursday, April 22, to Sunday, April 25."
Northen Star
El Mar Mi Alma - The Sea My Soul
Surfing drops in on culture
"Local filmmakers Stephen Jones and Tatiana Velasco will share the story behind their soon to be released surf art movie El Mar Mi Alma (The Sea My Soul) Friday evening, February 26, at a special event at Harvest Café, Newrybar. [...] Jones and Velasco's presentation is part of the launch of a month-long local celebration of international surf art and culture, taking place throughout March, showcasing new and different perspectives on our relationship with the ocean, through film, photography painting, drawing and sculpture.
It starts with the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF), which has always featured surf films and keeps a strong focus on this specialist genre throughout its 10-day 2010 program, from March 5 to 13.
Then from March 11 to 25, Retrospect Galleries presents El Mar Mi Alma, the exhibition, exploring the global phenomenon of surf art across a multitude of media, from Byron Bay to Chile, the crest to underground.
A preview of the show will be on exhibition at Harvest on February 26, and two local surf artists will talk about the unique influences that have shaped the development of their practice - James McMillan, an Australian former pro surfer turned painter, and Alberto Sanchez, a Spanish artist/photographer/musician, who grew up in Madrid and first saw the ocean when he was aged 14. "
THE ARTISTS celebrated in the book ‘A Special Kind Of Vision’
Arts Northern Rivers recently launched the book ‘A Special Kind Of Vision’ celebrating contemporary Aboriginal art of the Northern Rivers region, at Retrospect Galleries in Byron Bay.
Local Aboriginal art celebrated in new book
'Artists and art lovers gathered at Retrospect Galleries last Thursday to celebrate the launch of a new publication celebrating contemporary Aboriginal art of the Northern Rivers region.'
Award winning photographer Alberto Sanchez, teams up with David Young, Jeff Dawson and John McCormick in a wonderful photographic exhibition celebrating the diverse styles of Byron Bay's top photographers.
Luke Taaffe and Mia Taninaka are currently holding a show at Retrospect Galleries, and this great review of their work was published in the Far North Coaster Online Magazine. To read more of the article visit http://www.farnorthcoaster.com.au/news/8029/turning-old-wood-into-fine-art/
And to view the work in their show click here
Nick Morris (one half of Doug Bartlett and an artist in his own right!) is a finalist in the BSG (Brunswick Street Gallery) $10000 Art Prize. His work 'Delvene's Dabble' was one of over 50 entries chosen for the prize. Congratulations Nick!
View Nick Morris online
One of Retrospects abstract painters and Suffolk Park based artist, Alle Scott was recently received a glowing review in the magazine 'Inside Solo' by feature writer Richard Sunderland.
You can read the article online here
Local glass artist Noel Hart was recently written up in an African Art and Culture Magazine..
15 September 2009 Written by: Tiisetso Tlelima
Distinguished Australian glass artist, Noel Hart, exhibits his extraordinary and colourful ‘Parrot Vases’ at the Edge Glass Gallery in the Mother City. Living most of his life amid reptiles, birds and insects in the sub-tropical rainforest on the east coast of Australia, it is no surprise that Noel’s work is heavily influenced by a shrinking biodiversity. His earlier works were colourful paintings depicting the colours of the fur of a rare Australian Marsupial Carnivore – the spotted tailed Quoll – which are increasingly becoming extinct.
Looking at his current work, it’s pretty clear that Noel is passionate about two things: making the world aware of the dwindling numbers of over 350 parrot species and exploring their breath-taking beauty. His parrot vases are vivid and flamboyant – inspired by the expansive array of colour sequences in parrots’ plumage. “I have looked at the range of colours in the ways that parrots see them - which unlike our own sight which is mostly in the infrared spectrum – is mostly in the ultraviolet spectrum,” he explains. “I also have an interest in the way the parrots’ colours are reproduced in magazines and books, and how they are often quite different to how they look to our eyes in our reality.”
He uses a technique based on the ancient Core Formed Technique to make the vases. But instead of using a core of mud, Noel uses a clear, thick and heavy blown glass bubble. The glass is blown into a hollow, flat and rectangular shape much like the format of his paintings. He then instructs a team of assistants to collect different glass colours which he applies to the outside of the bubble. The result is an intricate piece of artwork that art enthusiasts can collect or that can be used for interior decorating or as vases.
With such beautiful creations it’s hard to believe that Noel got into glass art by accident. Making a living as a conceptual artist is nearly impossible, so he had to do other things to earn a living. “I was curating exhibitions at a university near where I live when I was asked by a glass artist whose exhibition I had just put together, to come and work with him,” he recalls. “I like a challenge and his desire to broaden both the narrative and reach of his work gave me a good reason to take on the project.” Though he worked as a designer and had no particular interest in the medium of glass for his own work for a decade, he began gathering ideas about the material of glass and how to work it.
The idea to venture into glass art making finally came to him while attending a lecture on the subject of Egyptian Core Formed Glass: a primitive technique for producing hollow glass vessels prior to the invention of glassblowing over two thousand years ago. “I saw in this attraction of the primitive, which I’ve always been interested in, a way of painting with glass by a slight and simple modification of the technique,” explains Noel. “After a few experiments confirming that the idea was sound…I went for it.”
Renowned for his dazzling paintings, Noel always dreamt of becoming an artist as a young boy. His uncle exposed him to European contemporary art magazines at the age of 11 and he’s been hooked ever since. He started art school when he was 16 and had a Diploma in Fine Art by the time he was 20. However, despite his extensive art education he strongly believes that a formal art education can limit one’s creativity. “I don’t think a formal art education is terribly important,” he insists. “It tends to distort creativity towards conventional ways of expression that usually are connected to current trends. I tend to think an artist is born that way. Some of my favourite works of art have been created by people who wouldn’t realize that people are labelling their creations ‘art’.”
Currently Noel Hart has been exploring other forms with glass including fully flat wall-mounted panels that start off as blown glass vessels but are cut and slumped in a large kiln.
His parrot vases are on display at the Glass Edge Gallery until someone purchases them.
learning to draw instead. Inspiration came from hot rod comics, afternoon cartoon shows, 60's National Geographics, and true romance magazines. These were the things we drew without inhibition and with a sense of discovery, this is how we learnt who we were."
Local photographer Alberto Sanchez’s portrait, Frank, was one of four highly commended works selected by judge Dean Sewell at the prestigious Olive Cotton Awards for Photographic Portraiture, announced at Tweed River Art Gallery this weekend. His work was the only local winner selected from hundreds of entries received from around Australia.
In commenting on the image, judge Dean Sewell said, “In Alberto Sanchez's Frank we share in the reserved consideration of his execution the intimacy and quiet so palpable, one can almost hear the humming coils of Frank's electric bar heater. “This is complimented by the multi-layering of textures and the subtle hues of his confinements- the patterned wall paper, the terracotta bricks that anchor his vice and its transporting glow. In this, we the viewer, are transported ourselves to southern Italy, Spain, Greece perhaps• Yet at times, we almost feel as intruders, disturbing the humbly constructed solitude of Frank's world, a fine example of the philosophical adherence to considered observation.”
Sanchez confirms that the image was taken during a recent trip to his native Madrid, where he spent a few weeks visiting his family. “It was on a cold winters’ day in January and I happened to be in Madrid with my brother walking about when I noticed a coat hanger on the footpath in front of an old shop,” he comments. “There was no signs or any indication of what was going on so I just went in for a look, only to discover Frank in the corner of this old furniture shop watching tele, ignoring me and for that matter, the world around him.”
The photo is one of a series of images capturing what Sanchez describes as the changing face of his home country. “What I found really striking about being back in Europe, was the number of old people, everywhere that I went, especially old men, doing everything - working, cooking, pushing prams with their grandchildren inside, down the street,” he says. “I think because everyone is so busy working, the older generation is taking a much more obvious role in the daily life. It was such a contrast to my life here in Byron Bay,” he adds.
A multi award winning photographer and Associate Member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP), Sanchez grew up in Madrid, Spain, and has been slinging his camera around the world since the age of 14. In 2004 he moved to Australia with his partner Bree Delian and in 2005 established Alberto Sanchez Photographia in Byron Bay. Late last year he also launched Studio Byron Bay with fellow photographer Grant MacIntyre, specialising in wedding photography and natural portraiture.
His image Frank has so far been recognised with a silver distinction at the AIPP Queensland Awards and a silver award at the AIPP national awards. It was also selected as a finalist in Head On 2009, Australia’s major innovative showcase for portrait photography. You can see it on display as part of the Olive Cotton Award until Sunday 27 September, at Tweed River Art Gallery in Murwillumbah. And don’t forget to cast your vote in the People’s Choice Award, to be announced on the closing weekend.
Artist Di West who has taken out 3 prizes at this years RNA Show. She was awarded first prize in the Abstract category and second and third prizes in the Figurative category. The winning pieces were "Thinking Outside the Square" (first prize), "Collector of Stars" (second prize) and "Sky Scraper"(third prize). Congratulations!!
View more work...
The Australian Stencil Art Prize aims to recognize and reward stencil artists in Australia. The winning work will receive a $500 cash prize and one lucky finalist will receive a free print run of 10,000 postcards thanks to Avant Card.
This year Miss Link won the prize with this wonderful work of art 'Nesting' that is an edition of 10 only and will be for sale in the Revolution of art Exhibition opening on the 24th July.
Our favourite young photographer James Looker is the featured artist in this months Desktop Create Magazine. Check out his great work in the following pages..
Pop is a Melbourne based snow, skate, art, lifestyle publication that has a
strong online following. Its a pretty cool mag and they have put up a link about our fantastic Urban show Revolution of Art.
Check out the link here
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