Artist Profile: National Art School Graduate Shows 2021

Artist Profile: National Art School Graduate Shows 2021

by Danielle Neely

In the lead up to the exhibitions showing across the NAS campus, Artist Profile magazine previewed The Postgrad Show (22–30 Jan) and The Grad Show (11–20 Feb), presenting the amazing work of our 2021 cohort. The exhibitions invite visitors to reflect on, and celebrate, the enduring value of arts education, even (indeed, especially) amidst the uncertainty and instability the sector has faced for the past two years.

“The trenchant red of Helen Zhu’s Tomorrow appears like contraband in the lip of Sibylla (Billie) Robertson’s Relic. Perhaps it’s fanciful to imagine a passing of this colour between the works, or between the artists. Perhaps, though, it’s essential to do this imagining almost because it is fanciful: the opportunity to think outside of the logics of productivity, efficiency, and employability remains a vital gift given to us by art education, even in the most demoralising of circumstances.”

Read the full article linked below.

Images Sibylla (Billie) Robertson, relic, clay and glaze, 22 x 22 x 22 cm. Photo: Peter Morgan

NAS Fellow Guido Maestri (@_guido_maestri) opens his solo exhibition, `Buoy,` at Ames Yavuz. Inspired by the landscapes of Pittwater and Ku-ring-gai National Park, the show marks a new evolution in the artist`s work. The exhibition continues until September 27.

Congratulations to NAS Alumna Johanna Ng (@johanna__ng) for winning the 2025 Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize for her work, `a woman wearing a choker is walking in a crowd`.

The 2025 Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize is made possible by the Australian Photographic Society (@austphotosoc) in partnership with the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre (@muswellbrookartscentre), and with the support of Bengalla Mining Company, MACH Energy, Malabar Resources and AGL.

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1) Guido Maestri, `Whole sound`, 2025, oil on linen, 152 x 183 cm, courtesy of the artist and Ames Yavuz (@amesyavuz).

2) Johanna Ng, ‘a woman wearing a choker is walking in a crowd’ 2024, inkjet print on cotton rag, inkjet print on clear film, 59.4 x 80.5cm, courtesy of the artist and MCPP

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Sep 12

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NAS Fellow Guido Maestri (@_guido_maestri) opens his solo exhibition, 'Buoy,' at Ames Yavuz. Inspired by the landscapes of Pittwater and Ku-ring-gai National Park, the show marks a new evolution in the artist's work. The exhibition continues until September 27.

Congratulations to NAS Alumna Johanna Ng (@johanna__ng) for winning the 2025 Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize for her work, 'a woman wearing a choker is walking in a crowd'.

The 2025 Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize is made possible by the Australian Photographic Society (@austphotosoc) in partnership with the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre (@muswellbrookartscentre), and with the support of Bengalla Mining Company, MACH Energy, Malabar Resources and AGL.

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1) Guido Maestri, 'Whole sound', 2025, oil on linen, 152 x 183 cm, courtesy of the artist and Ames Yavuz (@amesyavuz).

2) Johanna Ng, ‘a woman wearing a choker is walking in a crowd’ 2024, inkjet print on cotton rag, inkjet print on clear film, 59.4 x 80.5cm, courtesy of the artist and MCPP

Sydney Contemporary is now open!

We’re thrilled to welcome you to Booth J12, where we are showcasing the work of nine emerging artists and alumni, including Jake Bartley @_trizm__, Christian Bonett @christian_bonett_art, Harrison Chao @w4r.h4mm3r, Lewis Doherty @lewisstepsandrew, Isabella Kennedy @isa.kennedy, Rachel Mackay @rachelmackay.art, Megan McKenzie @megan_mckenzie_, Johanna Ng @johanna__ng, and Taylor Steel @taylor__steel.

Sydney Contemporary is on until Sunday 14 September 2025 at Carriageworks — we look forward to seeing you there!

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Sep 11

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Sydney Contemporary is now open!

We’re thrilled to welcome you to Booth J12, where we are showcasing the work of nine emerging artists and alumni, including Jake Bartley @_trizm__, Christian Bonett @christian_bonett_art, Harrison Chao @w4r.h4mm3r, Lewis Doherty @lewisstepsandrew, Isabella Kennedy @isa.kennedy, Rachel Mackay @rachelmackay.art, Megan McKenzie @megan_mckenzie_, Johanna Ng @johanna__ng, and Taylor Steel @taylor__steel.

Sydney Contemporary is on until Sunday 14 September 2025 at Carriageworks — we look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Open Day last Saturday! Don’t forget: applications for the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) round close on Friday 3 October.

We have more in-person and online info sessions coming up. Sign up via link in bio to find out what makes NAS different from all other Fine Art degrees or receive one-on-one feedback on your portfolio from a member of the NAS Academic Team.

Image credit: Nicole Anderson (@nicoleandersonphotography)

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Sep 9

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Thank you to everyone who joined us for Open Day last Saturday! Don’t forget: applications for the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) round close on Friday 3 October.

We have more in-person and online info sessions coming up. Sign up via link in bio to find out what makes NAS different from all other Fine Art degrees or receive one-on-one feedback on your portfolio from a member of the NAS Academic Team.

Image credit: Nicole Anderson (@nicoleandersonphotography)

The National Art School is seeking an experienced Exhibitions Officer with strong attention to detail to join the NAS Gallery Team.

As Exhibitions Officer, you’ll be a key operational support to the NAS Gallery team, helping deliver a vibrant program of exhibitions, talks, and events. You’ll coordinate volunteers, maintain gallery presentation standards, assist with production and publications, and contribute to audience engagement aligned with the School’s strategic goals.

To learn more about the position and to apply, visit nas.edu.au (link in bio).

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Sep 8

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The National Art School is seeking an experienced Exhibitions Officer with strong attention to detail to join the NAS Gallery Team.

As Exhibitions Officer, you’ll be a key operational support to the NAS Gallery team, helping deliver a vibrant program of exhibitions, talks, and events. You’ll coordinate volunteers, maintain gallery presentation standards, assist with production and publications, and contribute to audience engagement aligned with the School’s strategic goals.

To learn more about the position and to apply, visit nas.edu.au (link in bio).

Buy tickets to join us for an unforgettable evening as we support the timeless treasures of the National Art School, our artists.

National Treasures is a glittering gala where the rare brilliance of our most esteemed artists shines brighter than a diamond.

Bid in silent and live auctions featuring extraordinary works by NAS Fellows and alumni and compete for once-in-a-lifetime experiences that money (almost!) can’t buy. Then dance into the night as our iconic Cell Block Theatre is taken over with live music, DJs, artist activations, immersive projections, gourmet food, and flowing beverages.

NAS Gala | National Treasures
Art Auction and Cocktail Party
Friday 21 November, 6.00pm – 11.30pm
Cell Block Theatre, National Art School

Purchase tickets at the link in bio.

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Sep 7

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Buy tickets to join us for an unforgettable evening as we support the timeless treasures of the National Art School, our artists.

National Treasures is a glittering gala where the rare brilliance of our most esteemed artists shines brighter than a diamond.

Bid in silent and live auctions featuring extraordinary works by NAS Fellows and alumni and compete for once-in-a-lifetime experiences that money (almost!) can’t buy. Then dance into the night as our iconic Cell Block Theatre is taken over with live music, DJs, artist activations, immersive projections, gourmet food, and flowing beverages.

NAS Gala | National Treasures
Art Auction and Cocktail Party
Friday 21 November, 6.00pm – 11.30pm
Cell Block Theatre, National Art School

Purchase tickets at the link in bio.

Join us for Open Day this Saturday!

Today is your last chance to register to secure your spot (link in bio). Visit our Eventbrite page to download the Open Day program brochure and plan your day.

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Sep 4

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Join us for Open Day this Saturday!

Today is your last chance to register to secure your spot (link in bio). Visit our Eventbrite page to download the Open Day program brochure and plan your day.