Castor and Pollux

Castor and Pollux are twins, one mortal, the other immortal. They cannot bear to be separated, so live half their lives on earth, half in the Underworld of the dead. In Greek mythology they personify the riddle of duality: the interweaving of absence and presence, intellect and intuition, of the tangible and intangible.

The work Castor and Pollux explores this duality and the potential to merge and connect.

I'm fascinated by the qualities inherent in materials, and by the way they resonate when used together.

I found the coal used in this piece in Eastern Victoria, where coal deposits are estimated to be 1.6 million years old. Washed up by the tides on certain beaches there it suggests the ineffable co-existence of past and present time, and the potential for transformation and return.

Pamela Rataj was born in Germany and educated in Australia, France and Germany. She now lives and works in Melbourne. 
Her practice includes sculpture, painting and installation. Rataj has collaborated with composers and performance artists in creating ephemeral installations for public spaces, performed in the Adelaide Festival of Arts and public events in Melbourne, Paris and Stuttgart. 
Rataj has received Cultural and Project Development Grants in Victoria and South Australia, and completed Residencies in Paris, New York and the Ruhr region, Germany. She has been finalist in numerous national prizes including the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award (2013), Yering Station Sculpture Exhibition and Awards (2016), the Wyndham Art Prize (2017, 2018), and the Fisher's Ghost Award (2021). Rataj has exhibited in galleries in Adelaide, Melbourne and Paris, and her work is represented in Artbank and in private and corporate collections in Australia and internationally.

Castor and Pollux_coal, glass, leather, plexiglass, wax, wire_190x39x39cm

NFS

GROUP SHOW

Abstract artists never sleep

Exhibition dates. 29 July - 10 Aug 2025
Opening Reception : Wed 30 July 2025, 6:00 - 8:30 pm

Presented by Creative Space Hawthorn, an untutored abstract art group based at the Hawthorn Artist Society

In this latest group exhibition “Abstract Artists Never Sleep,” fourteen Melbourne-based artists come together to delve into the expressive power of abstraction.

This exhibition invites viewers into a world beyond representation—where emotion, gesture, form, and colour take centre stage. Through a wide range of styles and mediums, the works explore the essence of experience and perception, offering a visual language that is at once personal and open to interpretation.

From bold, dynamic compositions to quiet, contemplative marks, Abstract artists never sleep reflects the rich diversity of voices within our group, and the many ways abstraction can be used to convey feeling, memory, and mood. This show is a celebration of creative freedom and the evolving language of contemporary abstract art.

Artists

Alex Bridge, Amanda Lugg, Christine Sender, Devyani Sadalkar, Irene Henning, Kathy Best, Ken Wight, Lynne Kells, Nathan Moshinsky, Paula Reade, Penny Darling, Ria Tims, Susan Tait and Traecey Bremner

Alex Bridge

Light, energy, emotion - Alex Bridge is interested in the visual experience of looking at art. Brushstrokes, colour and texture are used to explore perception, light and materiality.  

Gestural marks are made with paint applied directly by hand as well as brush. These sinuous lines reveal organic shapes drawn from nature and the human body. The progression of a work remains with brushstrokes raw and immediate. The texture of the media used, the energy of the marks and the juxtaposition of colours are all important parts of the whole.

Catalogue

Amanda Lugg

Putting colour onto a surface is one of the most satisfying experiences.How that colour gets there, whether by brush, knife, scraper, gluing or another way is how the work progresses and takes form.

Generally I do not have a predetermined idea of where I want the work to go, but as I keep working on the surface, so I find inspiration and frequently the influence of my travels and environment emerge.

With my abstract work I seek to avoid creating a readily identifiable subject. I hope to provide a work which encourages the viewer to look in, and to look out and so in the process find their own subject.

It frequently surprises me when a viewer sees things that I have not, and yet once seen cannot be unseen.

Catalogue

Christine Sender

Colour, light, sound, and a certain energy and vibrancy: it goes without saying that this is Morocco. Its landscape and people are the inspiration for these artworks.

I found an energy in the Atlas mountains, in apparently un-inhabited valleys that are sometimes lush oases, in ancient ksars and kasbars standing proudly and timelessly and in a desert camp looking at a mirage at dusk. The market place, ancient labyrinthic laneways and a soup kitchen evidence a palpable life force.

I hope through these abstract works using acrylic, oil and cold wax and collage bring you some of the magnetism of Morocco.

Catalogue

Devyani Sadalkar

I paint abstract because it feels free — just like nature. Nature throws colours and shapes together in the wildest ways, and somehow it always works. That boldness inspires me. There are no rules out there, and I love bringing that same energy into my art.

I don’t start with a plan. I follow a feeling. I let the process guide me — the movement, the textures, the contrast, even the surprises. That’s what makes it real for me. Painting is where I can just be myself — no filters, no pressure.

I paint to stay connected — to what I feel, to the moment, and to the raw. 

Catalogue

Irene Henning

Irene is an artist based in Melbourne.  She is a regular exhibitor in group exhibitions,  galleries and shows and is a member of the Hawthorn Art Society and Melbourne and Victorian Artists’ Collective. Irene works with acrylic paints and mixed media. She loves working with colour, layers and textual marks to create light and movement, energy, and power, bringing a touch of joy to her painting. She hopes her paintings stir something in the viewer, inviting them in to share a private and special conversation with her work.

Catalogue

Kathy Best

"I see the world and I paint it" Kathy Best

Kathy creates bold, expressive acrylic abstracts and contemporary paintings based on observation of the world around her. She sometimes paints loosely from reference photos or memory. Other times she lets the paint and marks on the canvas guide her. Kathy’s works explore colour relationships, movement, shapes and layers.

Kathy has been painting consistently since 2008 under the guidance of many tutors and in 2023 completed a Diploma in Visual Arts.

“Take a look, take a 2nd look and take a longer look – I love putting my work out there.” Kathy Best

Catalogue

Ken Wight

I’m late into art but immediately found that the creative challenge Abstract Expression offered was highly stimulating and satisfying. I also love hunting around for different materials in op shops and hard rubbish!

Catalogue

Lynne Kells

Creating on Wurundjeri Country, Lynne’s artworks feature detailed explorations of media and themes. Over fifteen years exhibiting in group and solo shows at galleries and events, Lynne has an identity in the art world. Highlights are works bought for corporate collections and three made into cards (MS Plus & Classic Moves). Employment with children, as a Gallery Assistant, Toy Entertainer (Myer SA), aiding Art groups for disabled, and as a ceramic decorator at Robert Gordon have contributed to a unique outlook. Challenged as a disabled pensioner, Lynne’s art stands out with distinctive style and is not to be missed.

Catalogue

Nathan Moshinsky

Nathan Moshinsky has completed a Diploma of Visual Art majoring in oil painting and print making. He is a regular exhibitor in group exhibitions organised by the Victorian Artists Society and the Contemporary Art Society of Victoria. Also, he has had several solo exhibitions of his paintings and drawings, including an exhibition in October 2022, at Sol Gallery. Nathan is interested in the interpretation of visual images derived from the natural environment, and from his imagination, for the purpose of expressing his emotional response to them. He enjoys working with an image so as toexplore colour and tonal relationships, sometimes exaggerating these aspects of a painting or drawing, so as to express his emotional and imaginative response to the subject.

He works in many mediums- oils, watercolour, oil pastel, pencils, ink and uses the Ipad for sketching. The subject –matter of his work includes landscape, portraits and still life, as well as abstract paintings in acrylic and oils.

Catalogue

Paula Reade

My interest in art was apparent at a young age growing up in the South of France, and my passion for creativity continues today living and painting in Melbourne. I approach creativity with great enthusiasm; over the years my work has taken me to various avenues, having practised with different mediums with the aim of further developing my work . I typically paint with acrylic on canvas.

My inspiration stems from life experiences, nature, social interactions as well as history. Travelling to different parts of the world have inspired me and given me an opportunity to appreciate primitive and folk arts, which resonates with me. Personally, the creativity and expression in my art serves as a refuge, as well as a method of continuous self-discovery. I get great satisfaction when a piece of work is completed, and the journey of getting inspiration for my next work.

Catalogue

Penny Darling

My watercolour paintings explore the expressive potential of colour and texture. Watercolor inherently reminds me to embrace the unforeseen. The dynamic interaction of water and pigment often leads to happy accidents, recognizing the beauty in these unplanned outcomes fosters an instinctive approach, making them an integral part of this series.

Catalogue

Ria Tims

I am a self-taught European/Australian artist and started painting in 2012.

I have had both private and group tuition with Jenny Mitchell of Montsalvat Eltham and Walter Magilton from Warrandyte, both incredible artists and much admired.

I have an extensive creative family background including being a descendant of the famous Renaissance artist Jan Van Eyck, a very proud heritage.

I adore abstract and contemporary art and I am drawn to the vibrancy and energy of bright colours and love creating those types of artworks, it is the ultimate freedom of visual expression. “THERE ARE NO RULES” .

Catalogue

Susan Tait

Susan Tait is a Naarm/Melbourne born artist and painter whose work centres around gesture and materiality, creating expressive reflections on colour and form. Her early fascination with textile design is evident in her work through the exploration of highly visceral textural layering. Deeply inspired by the raw, harsh beauty of the Australian landscape, Susan uses acrylic paint, fabric, waxed cotton and pencil to create bold and tactile works. As much about what was covered, as what was left exposed, Susan’s canvases are often painted over many times until very few of the early strokes are visible. This lends an evocative depth to the works achieving a sense of mystery and of weathered, ancient timelessness as Susan continues to experiment, to layer, and interpret the landscape around her.

Catalogue

Traecey Bremner

Traecey is an explorer of art. Painting, drawing and sculpting in some capacity for much of her life; discovering new materials and ways of making art. Sharing art with others. Getting lost in art.

Initially studying visual language by completing a Bachelor of Design, and more recently participating in classes and travel with La Trobe College of Art and Design; she continues to participate in various classes to continue her exploration of art making.

More recently finding corrugated cardboard to be an excellent ground for paint, offering new possibilities for surface, shape and form.

Catalogue

FALCONERIS MARIMÓN

Exhibition Dates : 29 July - 10 August 2025
Opening Reception : Wed 30 July 2025, 6:00 - 8:30 pm

City Corner

I am interested in the corner. Squares are not interesting in their straight lines but in the right-angled corners that they possess. A corner represents a detour, a shift, a turn. Direction, interests, and perspective are affected by the corners that the square generously offers 4 times, while we circulate it. The city corner is rough and worn out, just like a brick. It shows an on-site exploration of everyday life experiences. Many moments collide in the city corner. Many of which a city brick can be involved in.

My art practice utilizes the urban landscape as a medium of creation where ideas and concepts expand. By studying symbol semiotics, patterns within systems, and the nature of dissidences, I approach sculpture, installation, and performance with charisma and curiosity. Found urban objects and repurposed ready-mades are constantly featured in my works. I aim to challenge the viewers’ point of view to reconsider their position as individuals who are part of a complex social web.

Catalogue

Look Close and Look Within

I often find myself giving undivided attention to an object or the scenery before me — exactly as it is in that particular moment. I feel this visceral connection and hear a quiet whisper — a longing to be seen intimately, without any label, context, or relativity to others.
I have always been captivated by fleeting details all around me, whether natural or man-made. Noticing such life’s impermanent qualities invites a sense of neutrality and inner spaciousness.
I worked with a generous amount of water on the surface for this series. I let the pigments spread freely, yet with intention. It blurs the boundaries between the subject and its surroundings, including myself.
My process is slow and one-off — there is no amending. It demands that I be extremely present and focused. Yet, it is almost addictive.
Though grounded in reference, each work was also painted intuitively. With much respect and appreciation for nature and life

Yukiko Abe-Kruithof is a visual artist based in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia. Primarily utilizing the translucency of watercolour, her practice spans painting, line drawing, and papercutting. Born and raised in Tokyo, and having migrated to Australia as an adult, she has long served as a bridge between cultures and perspectives through both her professional and personal roles. Deeply inspired by the intimate connection she feels with her subjects, her work reflects the quiet beauty of everyday life and its impermanence. Her work has been exhibited at the Consulate-General of Japan in Melbourne and in group shows across various galleries and public venues.

Catalogue

This series explores harmony through serene still life and sweeping Australian landscapes, capturing the quiet balance between nature and everyday objects, evoking a sense of peace, beauty, and reflection.

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, she was a finalist in the Calleen Art Prize, STILL in 2021, as wells the Lloyd Rees Memorial Youth Art Award. In 2025 Sarah has an artist in residence with the State Library of NSW and has been awarded a residency in 2026 at Bundanon through the William Fletcher Foundation.

SPACE 2: GROUP SHOW

I Waited for You (Winterlong)

Exhibition dates. 12 - 24 August 2025
Opening Reception : Wed 13 August 2025, 6:00 - 8:30 pm

I Waited for You (Winterlong) is the fourth and final chapter in our year-long series of group exhibitions inspired by the seasons. This concluding exhibition turns to Winter—a time of retreat, reflection, and quiet transformation. It invites both artists and audiences to consider the emotional weight and poetic beauty of the coldest months in our calendar.

In this show, we proudly showcase a diverse group of Melbourne-based artists, each bringing their unique voice and vision to the theme. Through a range of mediums—drawing, painting, photography, and ceramics—the works explore the layered meanings of Winter. Some pieces evoke stillness and solitude, others capture the stark beauty of dormant landscapes or the comfort of interior spaces. There are reflections on longing, endurance, and the slow rhythms of time passing.

I Waited for You (Winterlong) speaks to the way Winter slows us down, asks us to notice the subtle, and challenges us to find warmth in unexpected places. This exhibition celebrates not just the season itself, but the richness of creative interpretation it inspires.

Curate by Tegan Iversen

Exhibiting artists: Aleisha Earp, Angela Cornish, Anjelie Beyer, Ann Iversen, Annie Walter, Bonnie Williams, Carly Candiloro, Chloe Shao, Claire Anderson Woolley, Darin Frankpitt, Deb Garrett, Diana Story, Elizabeth Nicholls, Emma Sjaan Beukers, Emma Winton, Emily Van Der Molen, Fabiola Ibanez, Fiona Davey, Freya Alexander, Grace Audrey, Grace Taylor, Gracie Wright, Guste Sakalauskaite, Holly Gregory, Jen Selmore, Jess Hall, Jiyu Hwang, Kat Weir, Katie Geppert, Lisa Han, Loupcho, Mark McCarthy, Meg Kolac, Mia Emily Freeman, Misu Juju, Monica Tran, naomi meg, Nea Valdivia, Ruby Bovill, Ruby MacKinnon, Sarah McDonald, Sarinrat Sornkam, Savi Ross, Scarlet Sykes Hesterman, Shelley Spangler, Sunny Tandoc, Tegan Iversen, Tim Sta-Ana, Tom Civil, Vess Bong, Viet-My Bui, Vonne Beyer, Yan Yan Candy Ng, Yiying Lee, YJ Chun

“The advent of AI is a call to arms for photographers”

Today, more than ever before, the photographers’ duty to document the real world is critical. In his debut exhibition, Kip (of Studio Kalava) explores the beauty and tranquillity seen in often overlooked everyday settings. His approach is steeped in teachings of the godfathers of street photography, and applied to the environments around us today. Kip seeks to create art through mere observation of his surroundings. Together with an intentionality in composition, this exhibition shows many moments of tranquillity in our busy world. From bright hues to muted tones, a painting-like quality is achieved in his photography. A style that evokes an almost conflicted sense of introspection and calm. 

CATALOGUE

This exhibition presents three paintings—Intersection, Photo Studio, and Levels—that reflect my interest in how urban spaces are emotionally charged and fragmented through digital perception. Rather than depicting real places, I reconstruct imagined environments shaped by signage, lighting, and architectural rhythm. In Intersection, fleeting stillness and movement converge. Photo Studio evokes nostalgia tinted by artificiality. Levels explores spatial layering and psychological depth. Using oil paint, I build textures that mirror the tension between connection and distance in everyday life. These works suggest urban experience not as a static image, but as a shifting emotional state, filtered through memory and light.

Dabin Moon is a Korean-born painter based in Melbourne. Her practice focuses on emotionally charged cityscapes shaped by digital culture, artificial lighting, and mediated memory. Working primarily in oil on canvas, she constructs imagined urban environments that feel both familiar and distant. Through bold color, layered composition, and architectural fragments, Moon explores the psychological dimensions of everyday spaces. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from RMIT University and has a background in visual arts education in both Sydney and Melbourne.

PROJECT ROOM

PHIL HAYES

Exhibition Dates : 12 - 24 August 2025
Opening Reception : Wed 13 August 2025, 6:00 - 8:30 pm

THE BOUNTY YEARS

Phil Hayes is an Australian artist whose diverse practice spans painting, printmaking, sculpture, and drawing. Since the early 1980s, he has exhibited nationally and internationally, with works held in public and private collections from Japan and the USA to Lithuania. Influenced by both Western and Asian popular culture, his 13 years living in Hong Kong helped shape a distinctive visual language, merging modernist structure with the bold energy of pop art.

A hallmark of Phil’s practice is his use of symbolic imagery, particularly the recurring figure of the ‘Dog’. Originally conceived in the late 1980s as a social commentary on Australian suburbia, it has evolved into an instantly recognisable motif, rich with layered meaning. Alongside his fine art career, Phil spent 18 years as an artist and designer in the global surf industry, working with prominent brands such as Rip Curl and Quiksilver. This experience deepened his connection to ocean culture and the visual language of commercial design.

Phil completed postgraduate studies at the University of Tasmania, later lecturing there for several years—a formative period that continues to shape his artistic vision. It was during his time in Hobart that he developed a deep and lasting fascination with the thylacine. More than an extinct species, the thylacine functions in his work as a potent symbol of loss, myth, and resilience within the Australian psyche. Over time, it has become a personal totem: part cautionary tale, part ghost story, part emblem of wildness lost. Through this lens, Phil explores themes of mythology, disappearance, memory, and the fragile boundary between nature and culture.

CATALOGUE

Music to My Eyes

Drawing and painting was my thing, and I thought art teacher was to be my career. However while still at school I started playing guitar in rock bands and that led instead to a career in music. And later another in vintage furniture retail. In between I kept doing art, but always part time.

Finally in recent years I’ve been able to go back and finally realise my painting dreams. 

This exhibition of new work draws its subjects from what’s most important to me.. the people I’ve loved, the cats I’ve known, and my guitars, a source of endless material and inspiration.

The sensual shape of the guitar in all its forms has for me totemic power. Whether as two or three dimensional images rendered impressionistically “real”, or abstracted into stylised overlapping shapes where colours rule, or in juxtaposition with the female form. 

The images of people I’ve chosen to evoke an emotion in the viewer.. hopefully joyful. 

It’s the fleeting moment in time that I’m wanting to save and savour. 

And cats.. well, what can you say?

Tony Faehse (pronounced Fayzee) as guitarist and songwriter is best known for his work with Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons 1977-1983 (ARIA HALL OF FAME 2007), before that London 1973-1977 including touring Europe with Alvin Stardust. 1996-2019 with wife Wendy trading in Mid Century Modern furniture and design at their shop Retro Active in Northcote, Melbourne. 

Emma Richelle Caird’s work explores themes of death, depression, suicide and rebirth. Meditating on her past fantasies of death and trauma, Emma's paintings draw inspiration from romanticism, renaissance traditions, tattoo art, 80s horror and Yūrei-zu.

Born in Melbourne Australia in 1981, but raised in far North Queensland, Emma grew up with a distinct feeling of duality. Early childhood influences and trauma caused a natural comfort in the morbid and horrifying. Having studied a Bachelor of Fine Art at James Cook University in her teens, and an Advanced Diploma Graphic Design in her early thirties, Emma’s true voice only started emerging after facing her demons and incorporating her shadow self with the joyful exterior of her personality.

MARVELLOUS MELBOURNE AND BEYOND

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

‘A Rip In the Möbius Strip’

Stirling Caiulo creates paintings as sites of psychic and embodied transformation. His work is raw, symbolic, and rooted in a desire to fortify the spirit, exploring what it means to reclaim form from fragmentation, both personal and collective. With a deep curiosity for the unseen, his practice invites viewers to contemplate the meeting of the material and the mystical. Each piece acts as a threshold, a passage through which the fractured self might encounter wholeness, mystery, and renewal.

He has been a finalist in prestigious competitions, including the Lester Prize in both 2021 and 2022 and in 2023 the Bluethumb Portrait Prize and the Dean Cogle Prize. 

This work begins where continuity breaks: 

at the rip in the Möbius strip. 


A symbol of infinite loop and paradox, 

the Möbius strip forms a twisted surface without end. 


In its seamlessness lies a trap: 

an illusion of progress that circles back on itself. 


By tearing this loop, 

I explore what happens when we interrupt familiar cycles: 

of thought, identity, and inherited limitation. 

The rupture is both violent and liberating. 


To see oneself anew requires discomfort, 

and something new to hold sacred.

The Travel Notes

The "Travel Notes" exhibition conveys paintings from experiences throughout various moments of life, traveling to various places and meeting people. Including objects that reflect culture Conveyed through paintings or drawing in real places Which each work reflects the impression of important events in each moment These works have been collected to present to the audience in this exhibition.

GROUP SHOW

Colours of Bangladesh

Exhibition dates. 9 - 21 September 2025
Opening Reception : Wed 10 September 2025, 6:00 - 8:30 pm

Abinta Gallery of Fine Arts brings with it a reputation for curating promising exhibitions that resonate with audiences and spectators following international standards. Abinta Gallery team is committed to ensuring the success of this showcase through constructive planning, promotion, and execution of the exhibition to enlighten the art lovers of Melbourne with a diverse experience. Numerous master artists and renowned artists of Bangladesh conquered the world of art introducing versatile dimensions into the way of artistic expressions that coincided with the emotions of art spectators depicting the greenery, culture, and traditional significances of the lives of people of Bengal and various subject matters through colorful illustrations.

The exhibition is expected to derive the rich culture of Bangladesh as well as allow the audiences to connect with unique forms of artistic approaches conducted by the legendary and promising Bangladeshi artists.

Artists

Azmeer Hossain, Farida Zaman, Jamal Ahmed, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Mohammad Eunus, Nazmul Haque Bappy, Nur Munjerin Rimjhim, Purnia Mrittika and Sigma Haque Angkan

Azmeer Hossain

My work often explores the multifaceted landscapes and cultural nuances of Bangladesh, which I articulate through distinct series. The 'Monsoon-Boat' series captures the dynamic interplay of water and vessels prevalent in our monsoonal climate. In contrast, my 'Playground-Buffalo' series offers glimpses into the rural heartland, focusing on the relationship of buffalo in their everyday environment. Furthermore, my 'Persistence-Buddha' series delves into more spiritual and introspective themes, reflecting an engagement with Buddhist philosophy and iconography. Through these series, I aim to offer a nuanced perspective on my surroundings and inner explorations, establishing myself as a dedicated Bangladeshi watercolorist with a layered and evocative approach".

Catalogue

Farida Zaman

Why do I play with color? Colors express emotions, and my inner self sometimes exaggerates colors to enhance my vision. Once I started observing colors with my artistic vision, everywhere I looked I started noticing colors which never existed before…colors have become and intrinsic part of my journey as an artist my canvases are now incorporating various shades of color to create interest and pleasure for the naked eye… second, perspective of my artistic journey is a language created by my surrounding environment and characters intertwined in my personal growth... Having been born in Bangladesh, a nation of…water, land and sky are essential parts of surviving and in my youth, these three elements were mainly present in my everyday life… they have fueled my imagination, creatures of the sea and land are often present on my canvases taking their shape and forms… exaggerated necks, arms, legs all take flight in my storytelling… a cat is no longer a mere cat … he/she is a character from my past childhood roaming around my Dada Bari’s yard looking for fish bones … human character such as Sofia is a reflection of the women who have inspired my personal life as a teacher, mother and homemaker. Coming full circle in my artistic journey has taught me to appreciate and love myself and my existence on planet earth, and specifically my land of the lush green and my rivers of blue waters.

Catalogue

Jamal Ahmed

I try to show the beauty of simple moments — like a child playing, a woman working, or a boat floating on the river. I use soft colors and delicate lines to express peace and emotion in my paintings. My goal is to connect with people through art, no matter where they come from. Over the years, I have worked with different styles and mediums, but watercolor and oil painting are my favorites. I often paint scenes from rural Bangladesh, because I feel close to that life and culture. I believe art can speak quietly, yet powerfully, to the human heart. Through my work, I want to remind people to slow down, observe, and appreciate the world around them. Art is my language, and I speak through color and form.

Catalogue

Kanak Chanpa Chakma

As a member of the Chakma community, she draws from her heritage, focusing on the strength and resilience of these women. In 2023, she was awarded the "Ekushey Padak", one of the highest civilian honours in Bangladesh. Her work has gained international recognition, with exhibitions worldwide and numerous accolades, including Best Woman Artist of the XXI Century (2001) and the Olympic Fine Arts Gold Medal, Beijing, China (2008). She also received the American Alliance Fellowship in 1994 at Penn State University, further enriching her artistic and academic growth. These honors have affirmed her status as one of Bangladesh's leading artists and a tireless advocate for indigenous women’s labor. Kanak's art centers on the often-overlooked contributions of indigenous women, portraying their inner lives, struggles, and beauty. Her vibrant work, full of colour and texture, captures their resilience and emotional depth. Alongside her art, Kanak is committed to championing indigenous rights and supporting animal welfare.

Catalogue

Mohammad Eunus

Inspiration is essential to my process, often arriving unexpectedly and guiding me to explore ideas through internal sketches and experimentation until an image resonates deeply. Nature is a powerful force in my work, both gentle and fierce. I aim to capture its inner essence rather than mere forms, seeking to evoke emotion and provoke thought. My "Wall" series exemplifies this approach, where the changing surface of a wall symbolizes the layered transformation of society, sometimes marred, sometimes repaired, always evolving. I paint for joy, but never with satisfaction. Contentment can stall growth, so I embrace the unfinished, stopping only when the piece speaks for itself. I see artistic grammar as essential; only by knowing the rules can one break them with intention. While I may not always articulate a painting’s meaning, I invite the viewer into the emotional current that birthed it—to feel, reflect, and discover their connection.

Catalogue

Nazmul Haque Bappy

My work mainly focuses on nature, and I love using traditional Chinese ink and Oriental painting styles to express my thoughts. Over the years, I have tried to blend these classical techniques with new ideas to create something meaningful and fresh. I’ve held 11 solo exhibitions and taken part in many group shows in Bangladesh and abroad, including in Italy and the UK. My work has been honored with several awards, such as "The Best Award in Oriental Painting" from the University of Dhaka, the Berger Young Art Award, and international recognitions from China, South Korea, and more. Recently, I received the SM Sultan Foundation Award and the Grand Award at the 10th Oriental Painting Exhibition – 2025. Through my art, I hope to keep sharing the beauty of Oriental traditions with the world.

Catalogue

Nur Munjerin Rimjhim

My work primarily revolves around acrylic painting, where I use bold compositions, expressive figures, and layered symbolism to explore themes of gender, identity, and social justice. I draw inspiration from real-life struggles, particularly the silent yet powerful resilience of women. Each piece reflects personal and collective narratives, challenging deep-rooted societal norms. Art, to me, is a powerful voice; one that can question, disrupt, and inspire change. My emphasis lies on the overlooked narratives of women, shedding light on their struggles and sacrifices. By portraying these experiences on canvas, I seek to elicit empathy and highlight the profound injustices embedded within our society. I believe art should unsettle, provoke, and ultimately push society toward change.

Catalogue

Purnia Mrittika

I am Purnia Mrittika, born in 1993 in Bangladesh. I earned both my B.F.A. and M.F.A. from the Department of Drawing & Painting at the University of Dhaka, and my paintings have been featured in national and international exhibitions. To me, art is more than just beauty or form—it is a powerful language of expression. Through colors and brushstrokes, I reflect the injustices, struggles, and chaos that shape our society. A deep sense of social awareness flows through my work, giving voice to the unheard and holding space for the possibility of change. Bangladeshi culture, heritage, and identity are also profound sources of inspiration for me. I find joy in portraying our roots with care, affection, and reverence making each piece of art feel deeply soulful and meaningfully connected.

Catalogue

Sigma Haque Angkan

I am a Bangladeshi sculptor and painter, Sigma Haque Angkan, and I have 25+ years in the field of visual arts. I completed a B.F.A. & M.F.A. degree from the Department of Sculpture,  University of Dhaka. I did two solo exhibitions and more than 65 major group exhibitions & workshops nationally and internationally. The prime topic of my sculpture is the life of women, Mother & Child, women’s love, affection, limitations, and responsibilities are reflected in my work. Bronze, Brass, and aluminum are the preferred media of my sculpture. Art is my passion that makes me feel alive. As a freelance artist, I am also the founder and director of Su Angkan Academy, Dhaka.

Catalogue

Vayupad Ruttanapet was born in Bangkok in the year 2000. His parents work for the Thai government's Office of the Traditional Arts. He spent his childhood sculpting and assisting in the creation of monuments and Thai sculptures under the care of experts in the field. Vayupad studied Khon, a traditional Thai performance, during middle school at The College of Dramatic Arts. He then studied fine arts at Saowabha Vocational College. In 2024, Vayupad received his Bachelor’s degree at the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts from Silpakorn University, majoring in Sculpture. Currently, he is also a part-time lecturer at the same institution. Vayupad’s sculptures explore the balance between realism and idealism, drawing inspiration from classical Western and traditional Thai influences while embedding a distinctly personal sensibility. Each figure becomes a study in form, memory, and the human condition.

MARIAN QUIGLEY

Exhibition Dates : 23 September - 5 October 2025
Opening Reception : Wed 24 September 2025, 6:00 - 8:30 pm

City and Country

During the last few years, my work has largely focused on Melbourne iconic buildings and structures. In this exhibition, however,  images are also drawn from Gippsland environments and are portrayed either separately or in juxtaposition with those of the city.  The paintings include both man-made and natural elements, sometimes in combinations which evoke the surreal.

Utilising acrylics, my style is characterised by a hard edge technique combined with elements of minimalist abstraction and strong colour/tonal contrasts.

Catalogue