We are very pleased to present an outstanding exhibition of drawings and ceramics by local artist Andrew Nicholls.
Water and aquatic imagery has always played an important role in Andrew’s artworks, however this is his first exhibition to focus entirely on this theme. He uses it to “symbolise excessive desire or emotion, be it yearning, passion or melancholy.” This extends to his interest in “sentimental art and aesthetics - for example, as seen in the grottos and shell houses created by the British aristocracy during the 18th and 19th centuries (that reflected a deeply-felt nostalgia for the Classical age), or the use of ocean imagery in pop song lyrics to denote loss and yearning.” (Artist statements 2013)
The ocean has always loomed large in the lives of West Australians, most of whom live, work or play along the narrow coastal strip. Some of Andrew’s favourite local artworks and books have been inspired by it, including Randolf Stow’s The Merry-go-round in the Sea, Wembley Ware’s range of porcelain fish, surfer ashtrays and crab platters, and the paintings of Jo Darbyshire.
His pen drawings range from the quite realistic depictions of sea creatures, such as Ray, to the more imaginative works of Edge of the World and Mermen. Alongside his newer drawings he will also be exhibiting works selected from the last decade, most of which have not been exhibited in Perth. The highlight of these is A coral room 2009, a large nine panelled artwork that can be rearranged to create two different drawings.
Alongside his highly detailed drawings of underwater creatures and nautical themes, Andrew will exhibit a range of new ceramics; applying and firing decal images to found plates and porcelain blanks. Aquatic imagery is featured on these fabulous works as well, such as the Whirlpool cup and saucer.
The exhibition is also accompanied by a selection of Andrew’s favourite songs that employ water imagery. All of his drawing is done listening to music and so for him the link between the artwork and the songs that are playing is very strong. Gallery visitors will be able to listen to his musical selection by lifting the seashells on display to their ears. This installation relates to his interest in “exploring humiliation through my practice, and my goal with this body of work was to trick my audience into feeling slightly embarrassed for me.” Andrew noted that whilst he liked the idea of sharing this somewhat self-indulgent connection with his audience, it “rapidly became extremely confronting as I began trying to select the songs. The process was intimidating in a way I didn’t expect: these songs all have considerable personal significance to me, yet I’m well aware that everyone thinks everyone else’s taste in music is terrible. I became much more fearful of playing the songs to an audience than exhibiting the artworks. As such, this is the most exposing exhibition I have produced.”
Andrew studied at Curtin University, graduating with Honours in 1998. Since then he has exhibited extensively throughout Australia and has been awarded several grants, prizes and commissions along the way. The most recent include the $250,000 commission to create a ceiling mural in the new City of Perth Library (due for completion in 2014), the Turner Galleries Art Angels 2013 commemorative plate, the Perth Council House 50th Anniversary Artist Commission, and a 2013 commission for the City of Nedlands. Andrew is also a highly respected curator and arts writer. His artworks can be found in the collections of the Art Gallery of WA, City of Perth, Scotch College and the City of Nedlands.
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- TURNER GALLERIES | showcasing contemporary art
at 470 WILLIAM STREET NORTHBRIDGE WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6003 - TURNER GALLERIES HAS NOW CLOSED.
This website is an archived record of the exhibitions and artwork shown at the gallery. - Turner Galleries acknowledges the Whadjuk Nyoongar people as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters where Turner Galleries is situated, and pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
- Website © 2000-2024 TURNER GALLERIES. All images are © the artists and are not to be used without permission.
- This is a millapede project.
