India Mark

On Stillness

India Mark

2020-07-27

by Danielle Neely

India Mark’s exquisite still life paintings prove that small can be beautiful, and that paintings of simple domestic items can portray a calm majesty that is not often found in larger works. She describes the work as a response to Morandi’s devotion to still life painting, and says it represents the death of small moments of pleasure in our day-to-day lives.

A recent graduate of the National Art School, Mark has had considerable recognition for her figurative work, having been chosen as a finalist in the Archibald Prize twice. Despite the sombre title of the work (morte, meaning dead), the painterly brushwork on these glowing teacups draws the viewer into a contemplative space which resonates so perfectly with the theme of stillness.

Image: India Mark, Morte iii (two teacups), 2015, oil on canvas, 25.5cm x 30.5 cm, National Art School Collection © the artist

The National Art School acknowledges that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and for many other Australians, January 26 is a day of sorrow — marking deep loss, as well as survival.

Across Australia today, communities are coming together to reflect, connect and mark the day respectfully. The National Art School is committed to listening, learning and moving forward together.

For information about events visit antar.org.au and https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/australia-day-sydney

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Jan 26

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The National Art School acknowledges that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and for many other Australians, January 26 is a day of sorrow — marking deep loss, as well as survival.

Across Australia today, communities are coming together to reflect, connect and mark the day respectfully. The National Art School is committed to listening, learning and moving forward together.

For information about events visit antar.org.au and https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/australia-day-sydney

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.

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Jan 23

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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.

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.

—
Installation view, SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art, 2026, photograph: Zan Wimberley

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Jan 22

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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.

—
Installation view, SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art, 2026, photograph: Zan Wimberley

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

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Jan 19

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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.

—
Photos: Peter Morgan

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