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GERARD RUSSO
WINDOW ROOM EXHIBIT
GERARD RUSSO
Exhibition dates. 1 - 12 May , 2024
Opening Reception : Thursday 2 May 2024, 6:00 - 8.30pm
While making this piece 'Gatherer', I found myself drawn to the expressive potential of hands cradled by angular folds of fabric. As I worked, these hands at the centre of my composition naturally commanded more detail and emerged as a thematic focal point. This process deepened my appreciation that an essence resides in the actions and gestures of our hands. The subtlety of hair, merely suggested through the polish on the copper, along with intentionally vague and lifting facial details, also encourages viewers to look beyond the individual.
Gerard Russo is a Melbourne-based artist. After completing a Bachelor of Fine Art at RMIT university he began to experiment further at his home studio with copper etching and his love for expressive mark making.
Illuminated artefacts of copper and timber may best describe Gerard’s work, as they are elegantly industrial in material and contemporary in form. Gerard interprets the long standing methods of painting, mark-making and copper etching to inform the creation of his contemporary luminaires. The mark-making is paramount to his art and it is evident that in the enduring image etched into the copper, that the strokes are from a hand that aspires to sketch. We see the expressivity as embossed raw texture along with an extra sense of depth from the reflectivity in the elemental copper that envelopes the glowing imagery.
Artwork image: Brent Lukey
Profile image: Cathy Ronalds
CATALOGUE
ANDREW ANKA
RANDOM
The last few years have been hectic and productive since throwing myself back into the layered depths of oil and Medium after a having lengthy break from the arts, and I feel that I am getting closer to completing my apprenticeship.
Random was a need for me to slow down before I take on my next project, and to wrap my head around how I am gong to tackle the very many different images I intend to create – and Random is those chance encounters with other artists who share the same type of artistic ideologies and ideas with whom you connect and resonate with.
Kisho was first in the door of SOL Gallery on the opening day of me Greenwater exhibition in October of 2023. I was second in the door, and from that random encounter I could see he was an accomplished visual artist in need of mentorship – so I offered.
Working with the young Kisho has been fun and educational. ‘Dirty MOFO’ was a vague idea that I wanted to explore, but it needed a street feel to it. Kisho had been working in my studio on Saturday afternoons for several months and I was privileged to be an observer and to offer minimal technical advice.
‘Repent-er’, painted during the week after we had completed Dirty MOFO, was a direct result of my influence, he told me, while I had painted ‘What Came First?’ from what I had garnished from him. I am proud to be collaborating with Kisho, and I look forward to working on more images along the Dirty MOFO theme.
Special Guest ‘Kisho’
#the_artist_anka #kishoarts
CATALOGUE
ANTHONY JACKMAN
This exhibition explores the themes around impermanence, and the dichotomy of order and chaos. These themes also coincide with the concept that art has the power to create an immersive experience for the viewer.
This exhibition also includes several works by my son Luke who passed away in 2020 at the age of 22. He struggled with epilepsy and mental illness, but he found solace in painting to help express his struggles. Although he never formally trained in painting, I felt he had a good sense of composition, colour, and storytelling.
My work, which is bright and bold, provides a juxtaposition against Luke’s work, whose later themes reveal his struggles and poses the question “why me”? While this juxtaposition exists, there is a strong resonance to both our approaches to colour and exploration in mark making. I want to bring these two bodies of work together to show the two distinct approaches to painting.
CATALOGUE
Luke Jackman
MAC HEWITT & ELLEN GIANNIKOS
Embark on an enchanting journey with artist couple Mac Hewitt and Ellen Giannikos as they unveil their inaugural duo exhibition, inviting you into a captivating imaginary world. Formerly acrylic-based, this dynamic duo frequently explores mixed media, ensuring a rich and immersive experience for the audience. Step into the exhibition, where an ethereal shroud delicately wraps around dreamlike scenes, obscuring figures in an enigmatic atmosphere. Guided by loyal animal companions, characters embark on a transformative odyssey. Each brushstroke serves as a portal, inviting you into a realm of wonder, emotion, and the enchanting magic of companionship.
CATALOGUE : MAC HEWITT
CATALOGUE: ELLEN GIANNIKOS
LEE-ANNE RAYMOND
THE RED MASS
The Red Mass represents the journey of a secular artist through a religiously (anti-art) tainted judicial experience. Betrayal, protest, corrupted power, wounded truth and healing are all expressed in this Kafka-esque alternate reality where real events become merged with the surreal and extraordinary.
If there is an intended message it is to never stop questioning authority and seek the truth. Institutions we believe and trust to be conventionally structured (until we are exposed to them), are anything but and, conduct themselves more strangely in reality than anything we can imagine.
Overall the experience inteded for this presentation is to allow the viewer to experience their own thoughts and speculations, to emerge with questions, to peak curiosity, to ask why?
Lee-Anne Raymond is a Surrealist painter in oils on canvas, working out of Melbourne (Naarm) since 1988. The artist takes the viewer into exceptional, impossible, fractured versions of reality where they, the viewer, are at the centre. Ideas are formed from experience, from dream, or from an existential humanist and feminist objection. Sometimes the work is simply surreal. Since the mid 1980s the artist has held multiple solo exhibitions, has participated in numerous selected group exhibitions, has exhibited with artist collectives and in artist run galleries.
CATALOGUE
JOANNA WOLTHUIZEN
Joanna Wolthuizen, the Melbourne-based Australian artist, has established a confident and burgeoning presence in both the national and international contemporary art scene. Her work is imbued with a fusion of technique, emotion, and an unwavering commitment to visual expression, resonating with discerning collectors and design professionals. Joanna’s sought-after paintings grace sophisticated, high-end spaces, infusing them with visual allure and contemplative depth. Her compositions invite viewers to explore the boundaries of perception and engage with the expressive power of visual art. Simultaneously, they enhance interior architecture, creating meaningful environments where nuanced narratives are woven within each stroke.
Her works adorn collections across Australia, New York, Hollywood, Hong Kong, London, Sweden, the Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland, Singapore, and Greece. With a career spanning two decades, Joanna boasts an extensive exhibition history, her art curated in leading Australian contemporary galleries through 27 national award exhibitions.
In her artist statement, Joanna Wolthuizen blends abstraction, colour, and composition, creating intricate narratives within expansive canvases. Guided by bold black lines and evocative drips, her art invites viewers to look beyond the surface, unravel layers of meaning, and connect with the very essence of visual expression.
CATALOGUE
ANDREW FYFE
MARVELLOUS MELBOURNE BY FYFE
This collection of 14 limited-edition fine art prints encapsulates the essence of Melbourne through a whimsical lens, portraying familiar streets, iconic buildings, and social satire with a distinctive twist. Fyfe's unique perspective, rooted in his upbringing in Melbourne, breathes life into the city's landmarks—from Flinders Street Station and the Yarra River to its renowned laneways and beaches. Each print unveils a narrative that transcends the ordinary, inviting viewers to explore Melbourne's charm in an unconventional light. "Marvellous Melbourne By Fyfe" is a celebration of the artist's connection to his hometown, capturing the spirit of Melbourne with humour and imagination.
Andrew Fyfe is an Australian cartoonist and illustrator - best known for his live cartoons using the “pen cam” on the television show Hey Hey Its Saturday. For over fourteen years Andrew would spontaneously send-up the on screen action with but a few strokes of his pen.
CATALOGUE
DEMETRIOS VAKRAS
THE RIDDLE OF THE SPHINX
These works are purely surreal, following Breton's concept of "pure automatism" to the extent that unconscious creation allows (for without conscious thought, artworks may lack aesthetic appeal). However, one piece stands out from the rest. The Riddle of the Sphinx portrays my unique take on the mythical creature from ancient Thebes, known for challenging travelers with perplexing riddles.
Demetrios based in Melbourne, has been immersed in the world of surreal art since 1977. His intricate images explore the realms of bizarre, fantastical, and surrealistic visions. A self-taught artist, he transitioned into creating computer-manipulated photomontages using his own photographic archives in 1999. These digital pieces seamlessly extend the unique iconography that defined his earlier oil paintings.
CATALOGUE
NERRIDA PARFITT
Nerrida Parfitt is an emerging artist based in the regional town of Ballarat within the Central Highlands of Victoria. Painting from her home studio, she is inspired by the Australian landscape and local surroundings. Blending observed references of the landscape with constructed elements, Nerrida's artworks exhibit an aesthetic of Australian gothic with a hint of surrealism.
Exploring the interplay of light and shadow, a sense of beauty and mood is often present. Themes of isolation, the uncanny, and impermanence resonate strongly within her work. With tertiary education in visual art, graphic design, and multimedia, Nerrida brings a diverse skill set and unique perspectives to her artistic practice.
NATALIE IRELAND
In "Hungry," I challenge those viewing to question the reality of the Ukrainian Holodomor, a travesty imposed on Ukrainians during the period between 1932 and 1933. Through the medium of glass, I aim to evoke a sense of transparency and fragility, mirroring the delicate balance between remembrance and forgetting. Each block is based on real photographic footage showing the face of famine. In a country where wheat was, and is, gold – the contrast is shocking – and so is the denial that still exists today!
As light filters through the glass, it illuminates both the horrors of the past and the flicker of hope that persists amidst despair.
In bearing witness to the Holodomor through this series, I hope to honour the memory of the millions who perished and to amplify their voices that have long been silenced. "Hungry" serves as a testament to the power of art to bear witness, to provoke reflection, and to inspire a commitment to never forget.
Natalie started learning glass-fusing and slumping techniques in 2013. Since then, glass has had a massive impact on her life, inspiring a glass studio at her home in Melbourne, Australia. A signature quality of GlassFolly pieces are their fun and quirky patterns and bold colour. As a bonus, no two pieces will ever be exactly the same. Historically, Natalie’s body of work has included platters, bowls and plates, with the occasional experimental item. More recently, she has delved into sculptural art pieces.
LILY PLATTS
FOR LEASE
"For Lease" is an exploration into the struggle for secure housing and the unattainable standards that many Australians face in the quest for a place to call home. Through a series of interior paintings, the Lily Platts aims to shed light on the difficulties of finding affordable housing and the turmoil that comes with the search for a stable place to live.
This exhibition draws inspiration from Platts personal experience as a renter. While looking for a house, she became fascinated by online platforms like Fairyfloss on Facebook, which serve as ways in which people connect and present themselves online. The show explores these glimpses into people's lives, alongside an underlying sense of domesticity and unease. Through this work, the Platts' goal is to capture the intricate interplay between the yearning for security and the unsettling reality of housing instability that many are facing today.
In previous work, the Platts primarily focused on objects, delving into their lives and society's patterns of consumption. However, in this series, she shifts away from tangible objects and instead turns her attention to the spaces themselves. The absence of objects becomes a symbol for the lack of security and stability within these spaces.
Lily Platts (she/her) is a visual artist living and working in Melbourne. Lily explores themes of the everyday and is drawn to the unconventional subject matter of the world around her.
GENNET MAKONNEN
Gennet lives in Melbourne and obtained her graduate studies from Melbourne’s Victorian College of the Arts.
Gennet has been painting with oil since 2001 before her formal art education. She has brought a mix of vibrant and classic styles to Melbourne's street art scene. Her art explores personal growth, societal changes, and acceptance complexities, highlighting how personal strength and community backing can help overcome obstacles.
Gennet specialise in creating captivating oil paintings on canvas, delving into the intricacies of colour, emotion, and dimension. Her work delves deep into the artist's relationship with the audience, skilfully manipulating spatial elements and achieving a harmonious balance. By seamlessly merging traditional techniques with contemporary concepts, she breathe new life into each project.
BOONYARIT SEELADECH
Boonyarith, a Thai-born artist studying and practising in Melbourne/Naarm. His technique is skilful, with tangible textures and vivid colours. Through his previous practical study about subconsciousness, Boonyarith embraces the thought of Freudian to reinterpret and represent abnormal images or objects in which dreams can reveal hidden truths, provide insight into reality and provoke unconsciousness.
TAMASYA
TAMASYA is a tour of the senses, an intercultural trip to gain knowledge while indulging in what time and space can offer. The word “tamasya” can be equated to sightseeing or a study tour, a nod to the Indonesian school program that takes students to places of interest where they can learn.
From Bali in Indonesia to Melbourne in Australia, Wild Skids will traverse the body and mind through all kinds of creations. From a place of culture to a place of culture, ideas will stem from reality and imagination, manifesting in a visual presentation. Sol Gallery will be the space to exhibit creations that encapsulate the entire cultural exchange experience.
About Wild Skids
Wild Skids is a collective based in Bali with a curiosity in all forms of creative expression and their many manifestations. The collective includes Satria Nugraha, Denny Novikar, Rama Indirawan, and Rai Julian as co-conspirators. In TAMASYA, Wild Skids will be joined by Lee Wilson and Iman Fux from Australia.
Support By
KEN WENTWORTH
Ken is a contemporary Australian visual artist based in Melbourne (NAARM). The foundation of his initial painting practice used existing cultural images of public figures from the media and repositioned them into a new allegorical framework, as markers of individual and collective identity, to enable consideration of broader perspectives of meaning.
His evolving current body of work expands upon this via paintings of figure groupings, that are combined with text and installation elements, to encourage consideration of our collective or individual complicity in issues such as climate change, via our apathy, inaction, and susceptibility to manipulation by right wing populist mis/disinformation, conspiracies, false narratives, “alternative facts”, half truths and lies.
The body of work to be exhibited at SOL Gallery will be titled “Relics for future generations”, using media images, text and installation, to create absurd icons of the modern world.
Ken graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts - The University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting) in the year 2000, and has recently completed a Masters of Fine Art (Coursework) at RMIT University in 2020.
JANE DODGE
Previously I have focused on nudes, portraiture and random pieces that I felt never sat anywhere. It is now I understand the variance of my works and no longer criticise. My paintings are born from my spiritual response to energy, whilst music is the flow. With eyes shut and music playing, I draw. It feels like the music is drawing and I am conducting an orchestra as energy flows through me to the pencil. Colour is applied purely intuitively. Almost in a colour by numbers process, certain shapes call for certain colours. Falling into the colour and texture of the paints whilst worldly thoughts ,knowledge and instructions pass through. I am one of the tools in the creation of these works equally to the pencil, paint, paper or canvas. They are a collaboration, with 53 + pieces in this continuing series.
I never know what is going to present on my canvas.
BRENDA PAGE
WINDOW ROOM EXHIBIT
BRENDA PAGE
Exhibition dates. 26 June - 7 July , 2024
Opening Reception : Thursday 27 June 2024, 6:00 - 8.30pm.
My Mother's Mother’ The project is an exploration of the concept relating to transgenerational trauma. It features symbolic "bundles" made of lead crystal, each of different sizes, scattered around the installation space. These bundles are connected by braided human hair, representing the unseen emotional bonds that link generations. The hair, red in colour and intricately braided, weaves a complex web throughout the installation, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere.
Brenda is an artist living in Wurundjeri country, Dandenong ranges, an hour from Melbourne. She has a bachelor of glass from Monash University and studied fine art at RMIT. Much of her work utilises sculptural glass with screen printed elements. She considers glass her canvas and screen printing her brush. Her ascetics reference Victorian memento mori. For 21 years she ran an open access glass studio, Blue Dog Glass. She now spends her time exhibiting, teaching small group workshops and running artist retreats.
DON BARRETT
I am a contemporary sculptor working with different materials, eg. wood, concrete, and I also have work done in stainless steel, bronze and aluminium. Making art is an obsession to me, I gain immense satisfaction from the whole process. I usually like to start a piece with a preconceived idea but that can lead off into different tangents at any time during the creative process.
All of my work starts in wood. Indoor pieces are given a textural finish and then painted to achieve the finished result that I am after. My work is influenced mainly by the Australian landscape, the environment has so much to offer an artist. Even though I am mainly an abstract artist some of my latest work is figurative, representing the human form in the landscape.
Rock God, Wood, liquid metal, H 1.8 m x W 110cm x D 40cm. $ 4,850
TAMARA PERRETT
DESIRE UNVEILED
A young, queer artist from Melbourne/Naarm, Tamara delves into the realm of self-reflexive eroticism through her diverse artistic mediums - painting, drawing, sculpture, and video performance. Her bold and thought-provoking work pushes back against traditional societal standards, exalting female strength and physical indulgence. Embracing an interdisciplinary method, Tamara skillfully explores the nuanced facets of sex, identity, and pleasure, striving to make these once-taboo topics mainstream in art. Drawing inspiration from the annals of Western art history, she steadfastly challenges the dominant male perspective, opting instead for a gray area that melds the feminine and queer viewpoints - a stance that fosters personal sovereignty, selfhood, and allure, catalyzing a newfound era of exploration and empowerment in feminine sensuality.
CATALOGUE
3550 : A Bendigo Collective
3550 : A Bendigo Collective
150 kms north of Melbourne is the town of Bendigo. The town has a rich history of gold and culture, but it also has a thriving art community, which is itching to let the world know. This exhibition is showcasing a group of Bendigo artists who are kicking goals in the local art scene. Each has a different style, concept and approach to their work, but all successful in their own little niche.
This show includes the artists Mr Dimples, Dale Harris, Chris Duffy, Sarah Wallace-Smith, Jed Shue, Cody Dewit-Hayes, Alicia Huddy, Bridie Margaret O'Toole, Kain White, Steven Stanley, Frankie O, Sarah the Painter, Matt Steel, Annie Brigdale, Maree Tonkin, Isabelle Kawai Vincent, Rhayven Jane, Kaz and Iain Wilson.
CATALOGUE
MARIAN QUIGLEY
Marian Quigley returned to painting following her retirement from academia and began exhibiting her work in 2009. Her captivating works in acrylics are renowned for incorporating vibrant colour palettes, embracing a minimalist approach, and showcasing intricate hard edge abstraction techniques that mesmerise viewers with their depth and complexity.
My lifelong interest in architecture and design together with regular visits to our glorious city of Melbourne (I live on Phillip Island) prompted my artistic interpretations of its historic and contemporary buildings, bridges and other landmarks. Apart from the beauty of these structures, I am also inspired by the way in which their angles and curves can frame or link their surroundings - visually as well as physically. Sometimes, as with Eureka Tower, an unusual viewpoint will present itself, enabling the development of a unique and powerful composition. Other structures, such as Seafarers Bridge invite multiple interpretations. Utilising acrylics, my style is characterized by a hard edge technique combined with elements of minimalist abstraction and strong colour/tonal contrasts.
CATALOGUE
AUTUMN HARVEST
Exhibition dates. 2O March - 31 March , 2024
Opening Reception : Thursday 21 March 2024, 6:00 - 8.30pm
Celebrate the beauty of the Autumn season with a stunning collection of artworks that capture the essence of nature's most enchanting time of year.
We are proud to showcase a diverse and talented group of artists based in various locations across Australia. Our collection features an array of powerful and captivating works that reflect the rich artistic landscape of the country.
Image by Hugo Mathias
Artists
Avan Anwar, Angela Cornish, Alia Borodina, Alex Bridge, Alistair Fowler, Andrea Hughes, Ardhitra Hanifah, Boonyarit Seeladech, Briellen Feeney, Christine Sender, Charlotte Finley, Caroline Lejeune, Deb Marshall, Dinusha Joseph, Daniel Sender, Deb Garrett, Deborah Bowen, Elaine Batton, Elizabeth Barr, Emilio Lozano, Elmniea, Fiona Barbetti, Georgia laurie, Glenda Brigham, Heiko Griessbach, Hugo Mathias, HAL, Helen Andrade, Inge Flinte, Irene Henning, James Hughes, Jon Hewitt, Jan Reid, Josh Dykgraaf, Janine McGuinness, Jenny Hall, Julie Milton, Karen Hammat, Kerry Liang, Ken Wight, Kathy Best, Kate Kiely, Liza Posar, Laetitia Um, Leah Hume, Maha, Marcus Encel, Mandy Dollery, Martine Zajacek , Masa Hoss, Nani Puspasari, Olga Tsara, Olga Dziemidowicz, Paula Mackay, Robyn Blaikie, Rebecca Dzartov, Sandy Chuchat, Serena Entwistle, Sheena Mathieson, Sadie Stednitz, Sharon West, Sophie Farquhar, Salleigh Olsen, Tashi Columbro, Tamar Dolev, Tegan Iversen, Yvonne Millie
ANGIE RUSSI
ENCASEMENT
Layer upon layer careful weaving of threads entwine with soft wet, white porcelain.
Wading through the mud, coaxing, massaging enclosing the thought.
An enclosed space an inner world attached but separate.
Swinging, swaying, rocking.
Breathe in, breathe out.
Let go shrug off the old.
let go of the known.
Time and space nurture a spark of something yet unknown.
Trial by fire changes softness to crystalline, opacity to translucence, plasticity to vitrification.
A synergy of a life half lived and a life renewed and changed forever.
A translucent light pouch.
Breathe in Breathe out
Break out
Blink in the light
Wings unfurl
Fly, Fly, Fly,
Title: Encasement
Medium: Layered and hand formed Porcelain
Size: The installation is comprised of 30 individual ceramic pieces of varying size. H 11 x W 10cm to H 21cm x W 14cm.
The installation is H 2.9M x W 80cm x D 80cm
Price: $120.00 per piece
PAUL LASPAGIS
PAUL LASPAGIS
Exhibition dates. 6 - 17 March , 2024
In the bigger picture there are two basic realities. There is the physical reality of light, form and space in which all life exists and there is the metaphysical reality within the spirit of each conscious individual. For me, as a practising artist, painting and drawing function as records of the dialogue between the two. I studied at the national gallery school under John Brack and Alun Leach-Jones. Over the years I have evolved a pictorial style which focuses on a structured subliminal order underlying the presence of the landscape and the figure.
WANG CHEN
Wang Chen's inspirations mainly come from her family history and personal memories. She explores feminist themes such as the female body and libido, as well as significant milestones in women's lives, including the transformative experiences of pregnancy and motherhood. Chen's art practice also explores her East Asian cultural identity, which intertwines her connection to her homeland and the emotions associated with her diasporic experience as a first-generation migrant to Australia.
The installation project "Motherhood" consists of eight pieces that explore motherhood through the symbolic use of red string, representing the inescapable responsibilities of motherhood, and the blood between the artist and her daughter, weaving its way through each stage of the journey of accepting the new identity. Through this simple yet powerful material, Wang Chen's work explores the complex emotions of navigating motherhood through the challenges of this transformative time in a woman's life.
SAYOKO SUWABE
UNCERTAIN CONTOURS OF IMAGES
"Uncertain Contours of Images," a solo exhibition Sayoko Suwabe, which challenges traditional perceptions of art in a digitally saturated world. Suwabe argues that paintings are not static entities, but dynamic products of image processing and interpretation, their essence is in evolving with emotions, ideas, and memories. The exhibition explores the interplay between materiality and immateriality in paintings, considering their physical existence alongside digital forms. Her installation consists of performances, paintings, videos, immersing viewers in a contemplation of art's fluidity within consciousness, blurring reality and imagination. The works are created during the residency program at Bundanon and BigCi in NSW.
By challenging preconceived notions and encouraging active engagement, it seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for paintings’ transient and ever-evolving nature in an increasingly digital world.
This exhibit will be held with support from the Nomura Art Foundation and the Pola Art Foundation.
Press release
SEYHAN CAMGOZ
SEYHAN CAMGOZ
Exhibition dates. 21 Feb - 3 March , 2024
Opening Reception : Thursday 22 Feb 2024, 6:00 - 8.30pm
Seyhan Camgoz is a photographer and creative artist based in Melbourne. She is equally interested in the moments and her works consist of sequences to implement these moments on still photographs.
Her works create sequences that not only exhibit the beauty of the moment but also convey the emotions and context that come with it. Her works are a testament to her dedication to photography, as well as her deep appreciation for the art of storytelling.Seyhan's style is heavily influenced by historical art. She finds inspiration in various art forms from different eras and uses this inspiration to create her compositions. One can see this influence in her works, which possess a certain timelessness that transcends the present moment.
She can become obsessed with anything if she observes it long enough. This trait is evident in her work as she delves deep into every subject she captures, resulting in photographs that are not only beautiful but are also profound and thought-provoking.
"I am not interested in what something looks like, I am passionate about exploring what it feels like while photographing my subjects."
Distorted Memories
"Distorted Memories" is a photographic project that delves into the complexities of human memory and its connection to the vulnerability of the nude body. Through the collection of images, this project explores the interplay between memory, perception, and identity.
All profit is donating to Rspca
LUKE NEIL
My Sculptural works come from a very exploratory process, stepping into the studio with no preconceived ideas, armed with just enthusiasm and playful curiosity, this is the most enjoyable part for me, where anything is possible, and I can be just free to create. After this exploration I turn to creative problem solving, trying to gauge what material would lend itself best for creating this said piece, In the past I primarily have used steel, timber, lighting and bronze casting as mediums for creating my work.
The use of clean lines as building blocks in my art has always been intuitive for me. It’s a way I can bring structure, form and control into my world.
My work represents my ongoing journey beyond self-doubt, towards self expression through colour, repetition and form.
TARN WATKINSON
Tarn Watkinson is a highly talented artist from New Zealand. He uses a fine pen to create intricate and breathtaking artwork. His unique ability to create abstract languages and imaginary worlds is astounding. Watkinson combines his love for cityscapes, fantasy realms, and comic art to create a beautiful body of work. Influenced by his background in graphic design, he brings his vision to life on paper, transporting viewers to his amazing realm. His artwork has gained recognition in galleries around the world, including Melbourne.
Watkinson has also embarked on residencies in fascinating places like Iceland, Amsterdam, and Portugal, using their cultural diversity and artistic heritage as inspiration. His diverse artistic practice includes drawings, collages, and animation, blending various techniques to create thought-provoking and visually stunning artwork.
GROUP SHOW 'IN THE SPACE OF ELSEWHERE'
Presenting a captivating exhibition, the Group Show of five features a diverse array of talented artists based in Melbourne, each renowned for their exquisite work in print making. Each artist has a unique style and technique developed from their own experiences. This diversity results in a wide range of techniques and styles, making the exhibition a rewarding endeavor that caters to varied preferences. Such an approach appeals to seasoned art enthusiasts and those who are just beginning to explore their artistic inclinations.
Artists
Marcus O’Donnell
Sophia Szilagyi
Angela Coombs Matthews
Sorcha Mackenzie
Silvi Glattauer
Marcus O’Donnell is an artist, writer and academic working across traditional and digital print media. His abstract layered imagery explores pattern, chaos and complexity at the intersection of bodies, sexuality, and landscape. Marcus trained as an artist and exhibited in the 1990s and early 2000s but has only recently returned to public art-making after a time concentrating on his academic career. In 2022 he was awarded 2nd prize in the Jack Wilkins Experimental Photography Prize. He has been a finalist in the Milburn Prize (2023); the Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize (2023); the Olive Cotton Award (2023) and the Tacit Still Life Prize (2022). He is actively involved in the printmaking community and is a member of the Baldessin Press & Studio Committee of Management, a not-for-profit access, education and editioning studio.
A strange appearance – variations is part of his ongoing Dark Ecology series: abstracted variations on landscape and still life traditions investigating our troublesome representation of ‘nature’, all at once beautiful, monstrous and mysterious. The series uses layered imagery produced as pigment prints or photogravure etchings, or as is the case with the current work, a combination of the two processes.
MAUREEN VENVILLE
A SOUL FULL OF COLOURS
In the past decade, I've created many colorful artworks. I overcame cancer and now spend my time painting and practicing meditation and positive thinking. Cancer taught me valuable lessons that I wouldn't have learned otherwise. Through a combination of meditation, positive thinking, and art, I discovered my true self and found immense joy in life and work. By practicing Raja Yoga Meditation and intuitive painting, I express my love for colors and composition, reflecting my inner spirit. Raja Yoga Meditation involves open-eyed meditation, which perfectly complements my painting process. My artworks are a reflection of my universe, vibrant and unique. My vivid imagination is my closest companion, always inspiring me. It's astonishing what lies within the depths of the subconscious mind.
PAMELA SEE
Pamela See (Xue Mei-Ling) is a visual artist who practices contemporary papercutting. The medium in the form we recognise today evolved in China between the fourth and sixth centuries.
.…by Celestials is a participatory artwork designed to help residents of Fitzroy and the broader Sol Gallery community mark the beginning of the Gregorian and Lunar New Years. It involves the installation of a papercut composition in The Window Room.
The primary subject will be a red Eastern Bearded Dragon. In the background of the composition will be white Casuarina and Chinese cucumber flowers. These will symbolize the contributions Chinese migrants made during the 19th century as furniture makers and farmers.
The participants will embellish this foundation with their own colourful cutouts. They will be encouraged to make papercuts that reflect other ways Celestials contribute to the Australian cultural landscape.
*As China was formerly regarded the Celestial Kingdom, “Celestials” is a term used to describe settlers from a Chinese background up until the early 20th century.
ASOORAGUY
Asooraguy is a street artist based in Naarm/Melbourne, renowned for his iconic creation, "Bluxky," a fusion of East and West influences simplified into a pop culture emblem. His artistic contributions are primarily recognized throughout the streets of Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs. Asooraguy's artistic endeavours extend to various notable events, including participation in the International Poster Exhibition in Indonesia, the Birchip Street Art Festival and the Graff Street project in Belgrave. He has also showcased his artwork in gallery exhibitions across Australia, Thailand, and Indonesia, with his artistic journey continuing to thrive.
AT ALL COST
When we commit to following our passion, the price we pay may be everything we have.
In this exhibition, Asooraguy has portrayed Bluxky using classic game characters from the 80s-90s as symbols of the unwavering determination they put into achieving their missions. This portrayal integrates street art elements, transforming them into dynamic paintings. It’s a representation of giving everything—a concept we often refer to as at all costs.
WUKO
MOOD PALETTE
Wuko, a Thai artist influenced by Oriental mythology, draws inspiration from a childhood immersed in the rich culture of growing up in a Chinese Buddhist family. His art, often described as a blend of manga characters, delves into the complexities of human belief through his signature character ‘Buddhie,’ inspired by Buddha. Navigating the intersection of spirituality and social life, Wuko sparks contemplation on the diverse and sometimes perplexing nature of our beliefs. He actively participates in street art events in Thailand and collaborates with animation companies, including contributions to visualizations for Dubai World Expo 2020. Continuously exploring techniques without boundaries, he strives to create something new.
”Mood Palette“ To this day, people in our society navigate various roles and moods that sometimes adapt to blend in and other times embrace hard work to outdo achievement. In this exhibition, ‘Buddhie’ explores life’s myriad emotions across six vibrant canvases, blending Oriental Buddhist and cartoon influences. Reflecting on the intricate dance between spirituality and social life through elemental forces, the ‘Mood Palette’ unfolds to review the hues that define the diverse duties shaping our lives.
GROUP SHOW : DIVERGENCE
GROUP SHOW : DIVERGENCE
'Divergence' unfolds as a fascinating journey into the unique artistic expressions found within a common space. This exhibition showcases the distinctiveness of five visual artists and illustrators as they embark on personal odysseys, unveiling their individual styles. Each artist contributes to the rich tapestry of our artistic landscape, weaving a vibrant and diverse narrative that celebrates the beauty of artistic differences.
Artist: Cat Parker, Misu Juju, Nani Puspasari, Sasha Heath, Tegan Iversen.
Image by : Nani Puspasari, The Bobalisa, acrylic on canvas, 90 x 90cm
ARTIST BIO & CATALOGUE
GOH M
REVERIE: AN ARTISTIC ODE TO RESILIENCE IN NATURE
"Reverie" is an immersive art exhibition that celebrates the profound connection between rescue animals and botanical life, inviting viewers to explore the transformative power of resilience, hope, and inspiration. This exhibition seamlessly blends the worlds of animal rescue and botany through a diverse range of artistic mediums, showcasing the harmony that can be found in the unlikeliest of places.
The overarching theme of "Reverie" revolves around the idea that life can thrive and flourish even in the most challenging circumstances. It highlights the stories of resilience, recovery, and adaptation in both rescue animals and the botanical world.
GROUP SHOW: BUY OR CRY
END OF THE YEAR SHOW !!!
ALL ARTWORKS UNDER $1000
Celebrate the joyous season at SOL GALLERY! Immerse yourself in vibrant art as we showcase our exquisite collection, crafted by passionate artists. Discover captivating paintings, intricate sculptures, stunning prints, mesmerizing illustrations, and breathtaking photography. Whether an enthusiast or seeking a unique gift, our diverse collection offers something for everyone. Let art ignite your senses this joyous season!
Great gift for Xmas and New Year or for your own collection.
BUY NOW or CRY LATER!!
Artists
Annette Chang, Andy Timmins, Amy Kim, Andrew Anka, Andrea Hughes, Avan Anwa, Ash Falling, Ash Brom, Alistair Fowler, Alia Borodina, Angie Russi, Arjang Razzazian, Amena Bandukwala, Ana Hanson, Alice Wang, Adrian Olguin, Amina Qasim Zada, Anna Flemmert, Arabella Strachan,Boonyarith Seeladech, Brendan Williams, Creature Creature, Candy Ng, Carmel Cosgrove, Celeste Magee, Carol Rowlands, Charlotte Finley, Daniela Strauss, Elise Pahlow, Eddy Burger, Gillian Martin, Geoffrey Odgers, Guste Sakalauskaite, Hugo Mathias, Hannah Baum, Hans Schiebold, Helen Andrade, Isbella Imperatore, Isabel Deakin, llin Ho, Inge Flinte, JUHWA, Jenny Hall, Jacqui Norman, Jemima Longworth, Jessica Davidson, Jess Silverio, Julia Tran, Julie Milton, Jan van den Berg, Jacinta Tomyn, Jacqueline Claire Smith, Josephine Powell, Jason Clifton Harris, Jordan Benson, Jaimee Wright, Kieran O'Shannessy, Konatsu Honda, Kelly Sullivan, Karen Chappelow, Kathy Best, Kimberley Cardow, Kristen condon, Katherine Masiulanis, Letizia Faba, Lauri Smith, Lee-Anne Raymond, Lucy Allnutt, Lemonia Kokelidis, Leah Hume, Melanie Thoren, Marcus Encel, Mary Nguyễn, Mina Afra, Mimi Ghali, Masa Hoss, Martin Jaekel, Melanie Van loo, Nani Puspasari, Nina Killham, Nicole Robertson, Ortiz-Mascareno, Okhee Choi, Olga Tiara, Paula Maggs, Patricia Robertson, Penelope Le Petit, Petite Morto, Phil Hayes, Richard Morden, Richard Harris, Ryan Pola, Rochelle Malaeb, Rosemary Clark, Shin Koyama, Sheng Yi Lee, S.A Vandort, Santiago Mals, Samuel O'Malley, Sophie Leuschke, Silvi Glattauer, Sandra Slavec, Sonya Nguyen, Sophie Leuschke, Thang Do, Tim Coleman, Tina Yaqoubi, Therese Hautea, Tone Mathews, Tainted Press, Tamara Bellion, Tori Swedosh, Ulises Resendiz, VKM, Valé, Wendy Yong, Wendy Grace, Yeonjoo Park, Yara Jäkel, Yoony Yoony
Cr. Image : Frida by Hugo Mathias
During 13 - 24 Dec, We are open on Tue - Sun 11:00 - 6:00 pm.
SCARLETTE BACCINI
Scarlette's first collection of paintings is an expression of love and reverence for the human body. Using a unique approach to watercolour, acrylics and gouache, and a biologist's eye, these works take delight in the sublime tragedy of being a living creature, in our human form as it exists in the natural world, and in the absurdity of trying to place our biological selves within social and cultural constructions.
Anatomised human forms show the ways in which our bodies are both vulnerable and powerful, both deeply personal but also universal, and other paradoxes of our physical existence.
PAVISA MEESRENON
Pavisa Meesrenon, who also goes by Pabaja, is not just a talented Thai textile designer and digital illustrator, but also a creative genius with the ability to breathe life into the sometimes limited aesthetic range seen in digital art. Her work stands out due to its unique ability to capture the essence of the Akha tribe's textile tradition and translate it seamlessly into the digital medium.
Pavisa's designs draw inspiration from the Akha tribe in Thailand, showcasing their patterns and motifs. Her digital illustrations effortlessly blend traditional techniques with modern technology, celebrating the past and embracing the future. Pavisa's intricate designs captivate the eye and tell compelling stories, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Akha tribe's craftsmanship. Through her innovative approach, she pushes boundaries and reminds us of the transformative power of creativity in uniting cultures and mediums.
NILRAYA BUNDASAK
Nilraya’s work draws on lifestyles that convey the uniqueness of each individual, expression of freedom through distinct personal fashion choices, and emotions communicated through a variety of colours and beauty in one’s presentation.
This self expression creates novelty and sparks fashion trends that evolve with the times, creating excitement for the vibrant and diverse, expression and individuality.
These observations serve as an inspiration to the artist who in turn uses their handcrafted sewing techniques to reflect their individuality through the uniqueness of their creations.
MINA SHAFER
DIFFERENCE AND REPETITION IN FIELDS OF COLOUR
The paintings in this exhibition are influenced by Deleuze's ideas about difference and repetition. The paintings are composed of several overlapping and intersecting layers of lines and patterns within colour fields. The process involves repetition, intuition, and reflection. The repetition involves painting while listening to music, intuitively selecting colours and applying thin washes of colour until a resonating multi-layered multi-tonal colour field develops. Additionally, I draw squiggly lines and patterns that assemble and detach across the canvas to reflect my mosaic mind as it shifts from one thought to another; or to reflect the music I listen to as it shifts from one tune to silence and then another tune. I continue this process creating different plateaus of lines, patterns, washes and experiences until the painting reaches some form of resolution. My painting process involves repetition but each repetition creates a new experience thus creating ‘difference’ and new pictorial resolves.
SARAH RANDALL
BACKROADS
Backroads is a series of paintings of the country landscapes around my home. It explores directions and shortcuts, while ignoring warning signs from our environment. It happens sometimes.
Sarah is an artist based in Orange, NSW. Her work is informed by a Bachelor of Creative Arts, Wollongong in 2013, Masters Fine Art (coursework), RMIT in 2015 and Grad Cert of Art History, from the University of Melbourne. She has completed residencies in Tasmania, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea and Ireland where her paintings have been collected publicly and privately. In 2018, she exhibited as an Australian artist in the Jeonnam International Sumuk Biennale (Mokpo, South Korea), following a residency in the Bank of Fishermen Building. In 2019 and 2023, she was a finalist in the Calleen Art Prize, STILL in 2021, as wells the Lloyd Rees Memorial Youth Art Award