Artist Insider: Namila Benson

Artist Insider: Namila Benson

2020-07-01

For our latest Artist Insider video, we talk to Namila Benson, journalist, broadcaster and host of The Art Show on ABC Radio National. Namila talks about her artist interviews for NIRIN, the depiction of black bodies, how a boat united many communities, and why the 22^nd Biennale of Sydney is a gamechanger.

After closing in March 2020 due to Coronavirus, NIRIN reopened to the public on June 1, and will run until October. Exhibition venues are Artspace, Cockatoo Island, Campbelltown Art Centre, Art Gallery of NSW and Museum of Contemporary Art.

Watch the full interview linked below.

Image courtesy Namila Benson. Photo: Nick Harrison

Next Saturday, join us for a fun-filled day of family friendly, free creative activities. There will be sound baths, drop-in artmaking, children`s activities, an artists and curators panel talk, followed by dj sets and food trucks. Stick around for after-hours access to the gallery and the Shared Skies Music Concert with BARKAA, Rainbow Chan and DJ Rocky Stallone (ticketed, 18+).

Visit our website to view the full program (link in bio).

The Neighbour at the Gate has been made possible with the generous support of the NSW Government through its Blockbusters Funding initiative.

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Jul 5

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Next Saturday, join us for a fun-filled day of family friendly, free creative activities. There will be sound baths, drop-in artmaking, children's activities, an artists and curators panel talk, followed by dj sets and food trucks. Stick around for after-hours access to the gallery and the Shared Skies Music Concert with BARKAA, Rainbow Chan and DJ Rocky Stallone (ticketed, 18+).

Visit our website to view the full program (link in bio).

The Neighbour at the Gate has been made possible with the generous support of the NSW Government through its Blockbusters Funding initiative.

Just over a week to go until the `Shared Skies` music concert featuring BARKAA, "The New Matriarch of Australian Rap" (GQ), and Rainbow Chan, Artist of the Year at the 2022 FBi SMAC Awards. But who’s counting? 👀

🎫 Concession tickets just $25 — link in bio.

@barkaa__
@chunyinrainbowchan

The Neighbour at the Gate has been made possible with the generous support of the NSW Government through its Blockbusters Funding initiative.

View Instagram post by nas_au

Jul 2

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Just over a week to go until the 'Shared Skies' music concert featuring BARKAA, "The New Matriarch of Australian Rap" (GQ), and Rainbow Chan, Artist of the Year at the 2022 FBi SMAC Awards. But who’s counting? 👀

🎫 Concession tickets just $25 — link in bio.

@barkaa__
@chunyinrainbowchan

The Neighbour at the Gate has been made possible with the generous support of the NSW Government through its Blockbusters Funding initiative.

One and only✊🏽

Two years after NAS NEO on Gadigal Land, BARKAA returns to Darlinghurst on Saturday 12 July for the `Shared Skies` concert.

We’re proud to offer free Mob Tix 💖 Get your tickets today!

👑@barkaa__

The Neighbour at the Gate has been made possible with the generous support of the NSW Government through its Blockbusters Funding initiative.

View Instagram post by nas_au

Jul 1

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One and only✊🏽

Two years after NAS NEO on Gadigal Land, BARKAA returns to Darlinghurst on Saturday 12 July for the 'Shared Skies' concert.

We’re proud to offer free Mob Tix 💖 Get your tickets today!

👑@barkaa__

The Neighbour at the Gate has been made possible with the generous support of the NSW Government through its Blockbusters Funding initiative.

“It wasn’t about winning, but the feeling of freedom and connection”

Artist Dennis Golding invited exhibition curatorium member Michael Do and NAS Curator, Exhibitions, Lucy Latella for an intimate look at his work `Bingo` (2025), commissioned for our upcoming exhibition `The Neighbour at the Gate` and produced at the National Art School with the assistance of master printer and artist Janet Parker-Smith (pictured); Carolyn Mckenzie-Craig, NAS Head of Printmaking; and Rebecca O’Shea, NAS Printmaking Studio Technician.

‘Bingo’ (2025) is a ten-metre-long wall installation by Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding that draws from his recollections of family bingo nights hosted by his nan and aunty on Eveleigh Street in Redfern, Sydney. Gathering in an abandoned terrace house, they stitched together joy from what little they had; cutting game cards from cardboard, running power through borrowed cords, and making space for community.

Read the photo essay to learn more about the work and exhibition at nas.edu.au or hear the artist in conversation with grandmother Aunty Ali Golding during the opening weekend celebrations, RSVP at the link in bio.

The Neighbour at the Gate has been made possible with the generous support of the NSW Government through its Blockbusters Funding initiative.
—
Photography by Peter Morgan

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Jun 30

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“It wasn’t about winning, but the feeling of freedom and connection”

Artist Dennis Golding invited exhibition curatorium member Michael Do and NAS Curator, Exhibitions, Lucy Latella for an intimate look at his work 'Bingo' (2025), commissioned for our upcoming exhibition 'The Neighbour at the Gate' and produced at the National Art School with the assistance of master printer and artist Janet Parker-Smith (pictured); Carolyn Mckenzie-Craig, NAS Head of Printmaking; and Rebecca O’Shea, NAS Printmaking Studio Technician.

‘Bingo’ (2025) is a ten-metre-long wall installation by Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding that draws from his recollections of family bingo nights hosted by his nan and aunty on Eveleigh Street in Redfern, Sydney. Gathering in an abandoned terrace house, they stitched together joy from what little they had; cutting game cards from cardboard, running power through borrowed cords, and making space for community.

Read the photo essay to learn more about the work and exhibition at nas.edu.au or hear the artist in conversation with grandmother Aunty Ali Golding during the opening weekend celebrations, RSVP at the link in bio.

The Neighbour at the Gate has been made possible with the generous support of the NSW Government through its Blockbusters Funding initiative.
—
Photography by Peter Morgan

Join us for a dynamic program of public events at the National Art School to celebrate the opening of the major exhibition `The Neighbour at the Gate`. Opening during NAIDOC week, the public program will take place over two days, Friday 11 and Saturday 12 July.

Friday 11 July:
Join us for a day of panel discussions with the guest curatorium led by Clothilde Bullen OAM, for artist talks, and artist-led demonstrations.
RSVP essential – limited capacity.

Saturday 12 July:
From 11am to 3pm, enjoy a community-friendly day of free activities, including mindfulness sessions led by Madina Yoga and creative drop-in workshops. Contribute a clay piece to the exhibition and take home your own textile tassel or hand-printed tote bag.

From 5pm, the celebration continues outdoors with a free evening of DJ sets featuring DJ Rocky Stallone, Sveta, and Mason Kimber.

Visit our website to view the full program (link in bio).

#naidocweek #whatsonsydney #sydneykids

The Neighbour at the Gate has been made possible with the generous support of the NSW Government through its Blockbusters Funding initiative.

View Instagram post by nas_au

Jun 27

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Join us for a dynamic program of public events at the National Art School to celebrate the opening of the major exhibition 'The Neighbour at the Gate'. Opening during NAIDOC week, the public program will take place over two days, Friday 11 and Saturday 12 July.

Friday 11 July:
Join us for a day of panel discussions with the guest curatorium led by Clothilde Bullen OAM, for artist talks, and artist-led demonstrations.
RSVP essential – limited capacity.

Saturday 12 July:
From 11am to 3pm, enjoy a community-friendly day of free activities, including mindfulness sessions led by Madina Yoga and creative drop-in workshops. Contribute a clay piece to the exhibition and take home your own textile tassel or hand-printed tote bag.

From 5pm, the celebration continues outdoors with a free evening of DJ sets featuring DJ Rocky Stallone, Sveta, and Mason Kimber.

Visit our website to view the full program (link in bio).

#naidocweek #whatsonsydney #sydneykids

The Neighbour at the Gate has been made possible with the generous support of the NSW Government through its Blockbusters Funding initiative.

Join us at the Shared Skies Music Concert with BARKAA, Rainbow Chan and DJ Rocky Stallone, our major program event for the opening weekend of The Neighbour at the Gate. Held in the historic Cell Block Theatre, don’t miss this celebration of culture, identity and sound.

BARKAA @barkaa__ is a Malyangapa, Barkindji woman from western NSW, now living in south western Sydney on Gandangara land. Music has been part of BARKAA’s journey to express herself, the truth and issues impacting First Nations people. BARKAA has made a name for herself with her powerful delivery and lyrics, and her live shows are full of energy and raw intense emotion.

Rainbow Chan @chunyinrainbowchan is an award-winning vocalist, producer and multi-disciplinary artist. Driven by a DIY spirit, Chan melds catchy melodies and off-kilter beats made up of field-recordings and found sounds. Both heartbreaking and tender, her idiosyncratic brand of pop reflects diasporic experiences and deeply personal tales of love and loss.

Multi-hyphenate DJ, MC, podcaster and esteemed Ballroom community member of Samoan heritage, Rocky Stallone @rocky_stall0ne, is known for creating safe spaces and events for queer POC, gracing the decks at balls and functions across the country. Expect to hear a seamless mix of house, R&B, Baille funk, and more, including hot and heaving remixes that will wind your waist.

Saturday 12 July
8 – 10.30pm
Cell Block Theatre

Buy tickets at the link in bio.

View the full program of opening weekend events, including artist talks, artmaking workshops, and community activities, at nas.edu.au.

The Neighbour at the Gate has been made possible with the generous support of the NSW Government through its Blockbusters Funding initiative.

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Jun 26

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Artist Insider: Namila Benson