Artist Profile: NAS alumni Arash Chehelnabi

Artist Profile: NAS alumni Arash Chehelnabi

2022-07-21

Article by: Victoria Hynes. Photo: Arash Chehelnabi, Nancy Fairfax Artist in Residence Studio, photographed by Kate Holmes, courtesy the artist and Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre.

Visually and conceptually compelling, Chehelnabi’s deceptively simple paintings subconsciously play with the mind. Executed in a raw, almost childlike style, his practice involves a surrealist method of combining disparate motifs within the composition in order to unsettle or perplex the observer. Against the black walls of Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre’s exhibition space, his luminous paintings pop with colour. Upon canvases painted in flat cerulean blue, tangerine orange or a white lime wash, everyday objects hover and float.

A sparse, ghostly tree ascends from the middle of the ocean, surrounded by shimmering waves. Circular, balloon-like shapes float on the sea below a sunset horizon. A small peaked mountain range is contained within a blue cube. The images are peculiar, absurd, and surprising, challenging the audience’s perceptions of reality.

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A selection of works by our graduating MFA students currently on show at The Postgrad Show, on until 17 November at NAS Galleries.
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Learn more about the artists and view available works at the link in bio.
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Isabella Kennedy, ‘()’, 2024, inkjet print on Epson matte, 44 x 29.5 cm, edition of 3
Emilee Robinson, ‘lizard’, 2024, platinum silicone, toner and vinyl on board, 30 x 25cm
Artemisia Cornett, ‘Encroaching’, 2024, pen on paper, 40 x 17cm
Bibi Soleimani, ‘Pigeon Tower 10’, 2024, oil monotype on BFK Rives paper, 76 x 56cm
Julie Edgar, ‘Essence’, 2024, oil on canvas, 140 x 180 cm
India Swinton, ‘Subtle Sensations I’, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 50 x 40cm
Criena Court, ‘unified (swing)’, 2024, rope, timber, concrete, gold pigment, variable x 70 x 14 cm
Alice Xu, ‘The light guided me to a destiny’, 2024, oil on canvas, 102 x 76cm
Bronwyn Vaughan, ‘Hot Pink Support Structure 4’, 2024, steel, saris, stainless steel cable ties, 200 x 10cm

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Nov 13

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A selection of works by our graduating MFA students currently on show at The Postgrad Show, on until 17 November at NAS Galleries.
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Learn more about the artists and view available works at the link in bio.
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Benjamin Akuila, ‘Mask For Mask II’, 2024, stoneware, gold lustre, clear spray paint, 26 x 15 x 3 cm
Beatrice Weidner, ‘Tendrils’, 2024, mixed media collage on paper, 76 x 56 cm
Brooke Marchel, ‘The Way of All Flesh’, 2024, oil and acrylic on book, 20.5 x 26.5 x 2cm
Lucinda Bird, ‘Patchwork Archive’, 2024, copper plate etching on Hahnemüle paper, etched aluminium standoffs, eyelets, cotton thread, 80 x 61 x 7cm
Mitchell Davis, ‘mummy’s boy (left)’, 2024, plaster cast, 23 x 78 x 10cm, edition of 3
Sophie Victoria, ‘Misperceptions III’, 2024, copper, acrylic, faux fur, dimensions variable
Quan Zhu Ma, ‘Samsara II (b)’, 2024, burnt wood, plaster, 14 x 54 cm
Emily Isabel Taylor, ‘Hydra’, 2024, UV digital print on clear acrylic, 115 x 183 x 1cm
Jocelyn Hedley, ‘GENV8_LG_VOCT_03’, 2024, multilayered nanoparticle screen prints on Stonehenge black paper, 101 x 127 cm
Freyja Fristad, ‘VOID’, 2024, linocut relief on Accademia, 85 x 169 cm, edition of 5

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Nov 13

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A selection of works by our graduating MFA students currently on show at The Postgrad Show, on until 17 November at NAS Galleries.
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Learn more about the artists and view available works at the link in bio.
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Oliver Abbott, ‘288, -87.35, 1.65’, 2024, oil on linen, 120 x 180cm
Rachel Mackay, ‘Fountain’, 2024, unfired paperclay, sealant, fabric, 20 x 20 x 130 cm
Nikky Morgan-smith, ‘EFT3’, 2024, oil stick on wood, 20 x 30cm
Harry Merriman, ‘Swallow Me Whole’, 2024, inkjet print, unframed: 56 x 79.5cm, framed: 60 x 83.5 x 3.7cm, edition of 3
Chrystie Longworth, ‘Domestic Goddess: Spotless’, 2024, stoneware clay, pigment, glaze, 17 x 13 x 13 cm
James Little, ‘youtu.be/AgfzksAY-mY’, 2024, inkjet print on glossy photo paper on aluminium panel, steel frame, 29 cm x 42 cm, 29 cm
Jake Starr, ‘Dogma’, 2024, 4K video (runtime 15 mins), clothing, TV screen, steel mount, installation 100 x 120 x 180 cm, 1/8 (custom usb boxed set)
James Gardiner (fahn), ‘Presence Pr24-01’, 2024, acrylic polymer on machine cut composite board (fibre, resin, card, polystyrene and chipboard), 76 x 84 x 4.3 cm
Martin John Oldfield, ‘Bulldog 7W’, 2024, steel pickaxe, mild steel, 33 x 22 x 14 cm
Zara Collins, ‘Unfolding the folds VII’, 2024, porcelain, 11 x 12 x 3.5cm

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Nov 13

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Putting together a strong portfolio is one of the most important parts of your application to the National Art School.

At the Portfolio Review, NAS lecturers will offer helpful advice to guide you through your portfolio preparation, plus provide personal feedback on your portfolio.

Monday 18 November, 11.00am - 12.30pm, Cell Block Theatre.

RSVP at the link in bio.

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Nov 13

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We’re looking for a new Digital Marketing Specialist. Application deadline Sunday 24 November. Apply now!

The Digital Marketing Specialist plays an important role in coordinating the marketing and communication activities that drive degree recruitment, short course attendance, public program participation, exhibition promotion, brand positioning and alumni engagement.

Visit the link in bio to learn more.

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Nov 13

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Highlights from the upcoming Art Club Intensive, 15 – 17 January 2025.

Find inspiration in the environment in ‘The Natural World’, discover contemporary forms of print and image making in ‘Zine Magic’, or interrogate and challenge notions of the body in ‘The Human Form’.

These 3-day courses are designed to impart technical and conceptual skills to students aged 15 – 17.

Book now at the link in bio.

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Nov 12

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Artist Profile: NAS alumni Arash Chehelnabi