Laurie Nilsen: Trapped.
This highly charged theme brings together images of a typically Australian species such as emus, the artist’s totem alongside introduced species, religious doctrines, and the presentation of language - all as various levels of entrapment. Laurie uses rabbit traps, prawn nets made from found objects and iconic forms such as the crucifix to present his witty and thoughtful sculptural ideas. Laurie’s drawings introduce microscopic knots and twisted barbs which reflect back to earlier years when Laurie worked the land and tied the fences, images that separate nature and culture… In 2007, Laurie was awarded the prestigious Telstra Prize for 3D. This exhibition showcases over 20 new works including painting, drawing and sculpture.

Rod Moss: déjà vu The Hard light of Day
Rod’s works continue an unbroken narrative that began when he first moved to Alice Springs from Victoria in the mid 1980s. Since then he has obsessively documented the real, and the imagined, of Indigenous fringe life present there, in particular the Arrernte people in the MacDonnell Ranges. The works are all meticulously created, choreographed through heavy referential compositions, and the re-positioning of people and landscape amidst loaded historical metaphors and allegory. It remains a discomfiting look at life on the fringe.

Rod’s recently published book “The Hard Light of Day” will be launched by Dr Rex Butler, University of Queensland, at the opening. Rod’s story is of a whitefella–blackfella friendship that offers hope for the future.

The Juxtaposition: These artists met in 1990 when both exhibited in Balance 1990 at the Queensland Art Gallery. Laurie and Rod are both figurative artists and rely heavily on drawing. They take us into their worlds through imagery built on narrative and symbolism. They both take you closer into the lives and perspectives of Indigenous Australians via intricate details of first hand experiences. Both artists are held in major private, corporate and public institutions.

Laurie Nilsen: Prices range from $ 750 - $11,000
Rod Moss: Prices range from $8000-9900

Opening of both exhibitions is on Wednesday 14 July from 5.30-8pm. To be opened by Dr. Rex Butler.
Both artists will be present and available for interview.
FireWorks Gallery is open from Tuesday to Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, and by appointment.

For all information regarding these exhibitions as well as artist and gallery profiles you may visit
www.fireworksgallery.com.au.

FireWorks Gallery 52a Doggett Street Newstead
Director Michael Eather
Enquiresmichael@fireworksgallery.com.au mobile 0418 192 845