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Into the Light exhibition: A composite of 10 images with words

Into the Light exhibition by Emerge 2018

Even the stormy weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the Emerge 2018 artists, family, friends and guests who attended the opening of the Into the Light exhibition on 18 October at the Front Up Hub in Seven Hills.

Exhibiting artists

Works by eight artists were on exhibition: Suba Bale, Jesse Bisset, Teigan Blackshaw, Richard J Bell, Mahlie Jewell, Ariel Riveros, Jeffery Wood and Susan Wood.

The works were impressive in scope and ranged from video installations to multi media works to a wall mural.

Liam talks about process

As part of the opening remarks, artist and Front Up team member Liam Benson, spoke about the process. He described how the Emerge 2018 artists initially met at the Front Up Hub, and then visited the Art Gallery of NSW where they explored Spacemakers and Roomshakers: Installations from the collection and the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2018.

A group of artists is standing in a group and a woman is talking to them and motioning with her hands

Gaye Fleming speaks to the Emerge 2018 artists at the Art Gallery of NSW on 17 July

On 5 September, the artists participated in Anarchy in Time, a panel discussion, and Suba Bale gave a spotlight talk about an Ernesto Neto work from Spacemakers and Roomshakers that had most inspired her.

Following the initial visits to the Art Gallery of NSW, Liam described how the artists met weekly at the Front Up Hub. The group talked about what they had seen, they unpacked it, they were generous and forthcoming. The group collaborated to make the space a safe place in which to be. The artists challenged each other. They supported each other. Ultimately, though, they got down to work and created.

Into the Light exhibition

Liam described how the theme emerged in the early days of the group’s work together. He pointed out that all the works have something in common: everyone brought themselves and their work into the light. Here are a few images of details from works included in the Into the Light exhibition.

Suba Bale, Threads of Time, 2018

A sculpture with a white cloth head, a green top and dangling earings

Threads in Time (detail), 2018, by Suba Bale

Jeffery Wood, Blue Madonna and Child, 2018

A mixed media sculpture of woman on her knees

Blue Madonna and Child (detail), 2018, by Jeffery Wood

Mahlie Jewell, Warpaint, 2018

An image of a female face in many colours with text over the top

Warpaint (detail), 2018, by Mahlie Jewell

Watch for more

In her closing remarks, Gaye Fleming from Front Up, was generous in her thanks and praise. But, she made it clear that ‘it doesn’t stop here.’ Coming up next is ‘Get out of the Garret!’ Lets all watch for more from this productive and inspired group of artists!


Feature image: Warpaint (detail), 2018, by Mahlie Jewell. Supplied by Mahlie Jewell

For more details on the Into the Light exhibition, visit here.

This page was first published on 23 October 2018.

Into the Light: an abstract artwork in shades of black, white and pink. A house on a road appears to be in flames

Into the Light: Exhibition by Emerge 2018 artists

Front Up invites you to Into the Light, an exhibition of works by artists from the Emerge 2018 program.

Introducing the Into the Light artists

The exhibiting Emerge 2018 artists are: Suba Bale, Jesse Bisset, Teigan Blackshaw, Richard J Bell, Mahlie Jewell, Ariel Riveros, Jeffery Wood and Susan Wood.

Dates and times

Into the Light opening: Thursday 18 October from 5:30 pm – 8 pm
Speeches commence at 6:30 pm

Into the Light continues: Friday 19 October from 10 am – 4 pm
Saturday 20 October from 10 am – 1 pm
Monday 22 – Thursday 25 October from 10 am – 4 pm
Closed Sunday

Special programs

Audio described tours of Into the Light are available on Saturday 20 October at 11 am and 12 noon.

It’s Always Darkest Before the Dawn (detail), 2018 by Jesse Bisset

What’s Emerge?

Emerge is a Front Up program, supported by Ability Options, focused on delivering programs for practicing artists with disability.

The Emerge 2018 artists meet weekly at the Front Up Hub in Seven Hills to develop their practice through creative workshops in response to Art Gallery of NSW works and exhibitions. In particular, the group has spent time with the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2018 exhibition and Spacemakers and Roomshakers: installations from the collection. The artists also participated in Panel discussion: Anarchy in Time facilitated by Liam Benson, followed by a spotlight talk by Suba Bale about the Ernesto Neto work Just like drops in time, nothing from 2002.

Where is Into the Light?

Front Up Hub, 9 – 11 Rowley Street, Seven Hills, NSW
It’s a short, flat walk from Seven Hills train station.

What about parking?

Accessible parking for Into the Light is available: One parking space at the rear entrance off Bassell Lane, and 3 parking spaces on Rowley Street outside the front entrance.

Can I come to the opening?

Yes, you are welcome to attend the opening. However, please RSVP to info@frontup.org.au or contact Gayle Flemming on 0418 490 291.

Wanting more?

Accessible Arts published on the PlaceStories digital storytelling platform about each of the works in the Onion Reality exhibition by artists in the Emerge 2017 program. You can visit that collection right here.


Image credit: It’s Always Darkest Before the Dawn (detail), 2018 by Jesse Bisset

This page was first published on 7 October 2018.