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.

Religion is at its best when it has no power, wields no authority and is poor. Religion has done and continues to do many wounderful things in the world where people are poor and appressed. Children have been educated, the poor fed.

Religion at it worst is when it lives in great places and has much power and wealth. When religion has its hands on the lever of power, then it is dangerous. Then we have wars and corruption.

There is a certain amount of wisdom in all religions, execpt Scientology.
Philip Pullman author of The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ (2010)

Quoted by Kathleen Noonan Courier Mail 1 May 2010