NAS alumnus and current painting lecturer Les Rice is well-known for his incredibly detailed velvet paintings. His 15+ years as an established tattoo artist complement his artistic practice – both require careful concentration and methodical work.
Here the artist takes us through his own oil paint recipe, artist practice and the importance of understanding your medium, in conversation with NAS Creative Producer Sebastian Goldspink.
Thank you to all who joined us at last night’s opening.
SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art continues until 11 April.
Open Monday to Saturday, 11am–5pm.
Jan 23
Opening tonight—SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art at the National Art School Gallery.
Curated by Fiona Lowry and Katrina Cashman, SEARCHERS brings together more than 35 artists spanning four decades to explore the intersection of contemporary art and graffiti culture, and the enduring impact of spray paint on both.
Featuring Ben Aitken, Howard Arkley, BAGL, BREAK, Andrew Browne, Daniel Crooks, Adam Cullen, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Shaun Gladwell, Brendan Huntley, Rhys John Kaye, Luke Kennedy, LAZY, Mim Libro, Fiona Lowry, Eddie Martin, MACH, Tony McGillick, Paul McNeil, TV Moore, Callum Morton, Tresor Murace, Sidney Nolan, POWER, Ben Quilty, Scott Redford, Reko Rennie, RUM, Leslie Rice, Joan Ross, Khaled Sabsabi, Tim Silver, SNAIL, SPICE, Bridget Stehli, Maya Stocks, Latai Taumoepeau and TAVEN
Join us from 6–9pm this evening to celebrate the opening of this major new exhibition, presented as part of @sydney_festival.
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Installation view, SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art, 2026, photograph: Zan Wimberley
Jan 22
Now open: Art Club enrolments for students aged 15–17
Led by practicing artists, these weekly after-school workshops are designed to develop technical skills and foster a community of like-minded peers.
Book now for Term 1 🔗 in bio.
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Photos: Peter Morgan
Jan 19
SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art
17 January – 11 April 2026
Opening event: Thursday 22 January, 6–9pm
A major exhibition exploring the politics and poetics of spray
With Ben Aitken, Howard Arkley, BAGL, BREAK, Andrew Browne, Daniel Crooks, Adam Cullen, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Shaun Gladwell, Brendan Huntley, Rhys John Kaye, Luke Kennedy, LAZY, Mim Libro, Fiona Lowry, Eddie Martin, MACH, Tony McGillick, Paul McNeil, TV Moore, Callum Morton, Tresor Murace, Sidney Nolan, POWER, Ben Quilty, Scott Redford, Reko Rennie, RUM, Leslie Rice, Joan Ross, Khaled Sabsabi, Tim Silver, SNAIL, SPICE, Bridget Stehli, Maya Stocks, Latai Taumoepeau and TAVEN
Presented as part of @sydney_festival
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Photography: @zanwimberley
Jan 16
Final call! This is your last chance to apply for our BFA degree for 2026.
Applications close 29 January.
Apply now 🔗 in bio.
Jan 12
Join us from 6–9pm on Thursday 22 January for the opening of SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art.
Featuring Ben Aitken, Howard Arkley, BAGL, BREAK, Andrew Browne, Daniel Crooks, Adam Cullen, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Shaun Gladwell, Brendan Huntley, Rhys John Kaye, Luke Kennedy, LAZY, Mim Libro, Fiona Lowry, Eddie Martin, MACH, Tony McGillick, Paul McNeil, TV Moore, Callum Morton, Tresor Murace, Sidney Nolan, POWER, Ben Quilty, Scott Redford, Reko Rennie, RUM, Leslie Rice, Joan Ross, Khaled Sabsabi, Tim Silver, SNAIL, SPICE, Bridget Stehli, Maya Stocks, Latai Taumoepeau & TAVEN
RSVP 🔗 in bio.
Presented as part of @sydney_festival.
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Sidney Nolan, ‘Untitled’, 1983, spray can enamel on canvas, Nolan Collection, managed by Canberra Museum and Gallery on behalf of the Australian Government
Jan 9
