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Launch of On Stillness: Peter Rushforth

On Stillness

Launch of On Stillness: Peter Rushforth

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Our new online exhibition in collaboration with Newcastle Art Gallery

Today we are excited to launch On Stillness, an evolving online exhibition presented across the social media accounts of public art galleries. Initiated by the National Art School and Newcastle Art Gallery, it highlights artworks from the collections of participating institutions that embody the idea of stillness.

As COVID-19 restrictions ease and the pace of regular life cautiously resumes, On Stillness reminds us to slow down and remain observant. Simply follow the hashtag #onstillnessexhibition to see the growing number of works and gallery collaborators.

Peter Rushforth

We are kicking off with celebrated ceramic artist and Zen enthusiast Peter Rushforth. Peter Rushforth (1920–2015) was a master potter largely responsible for introducing ancient Japanese ceramic traditions to Australia. After early studies in Melbourne, he was appointed as the first full-time ceramics teacher at NAS in 1951. ‘Blossom jar’ and ‘Vase’ in the NAS Collection are examples of his manipulation of abstract form and surface to reflect ineffable human qualities. One such quality he admired in Japanese ceramics was jaku, meaning ‘to be quiet’ or ‘mellow’. The calm poise of his vessels is in harmony with the vitality of their variegated surfaces. The textured ‘Blossom jar’ shows his groundbreaking use of stoneware techniques in an Australian context, which often incorporated granulated rocks from his local environment. This work was based on the mist in the valley outside his studio window. His renowned chun glaze, evident in the second image of ‘Vase’, evokes limpid azure skies. Rushforth’s pots suggest the silent transformations of atmospheric phenomena and the slow time of geological change. Like a view of the earth from space, they are still but invisibly turning worlds

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Images 1 and 3: Peter Rushforth, Blossom jar, c. 1980s, salt-glazed stoneware, 22 x 22 cm; Vase, c. 1980s, stoneware, chun glaze 24 x 25 cm. National Art School Collection, gifts of Georg, Keay and Anders Lindstrom 2015

Image 2: Peter Rushforth (seated, left) with NAS ceramics students and teachers, 1960s. National Art School Collection, gift of Mollie Douglas 2005

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We’re looking for an Exhibitions Project Officer!

The role has a focus on major Indigenous exhibition projects currently in development for the National Art School as well as touring programs. The role assists with the delivery and coordination of Gallery programs, talks, and other events in the gallery spaces.

You have a background in visual art, art history, curatorship and gallery experience. You have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, along with strong organisational and project management experience.

Note this is an Identified Role and is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only, in accordance with Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977 NSW.

Application deadline extended to Sunday 9 February.

Apply at the link in bio.
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Ronan Pirozzi, `Serpentine`, 2023; `Trajectory`, 2023; `Desolate`, 2023; installation view, undo the day, NAS Gallery, Sydney, 2024, oil on welded steel, image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Zan Wimberley

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Feb 2

Open
We’re looking for an Exhibitions Project Officer! The role has a focus on major Indigenous exhibition projects currently in development for the National Art School as well as touring programs. The role assists with the delivery and coordination of Gallery programs, talks, and other events in the gallery spaces. You have a background in visual art, art history, curatorship and gallery experience. You have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, along with strong organisational and project management experience. Note this is an Identified Role and is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only, in accordance with Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977 NSW. Application deadline extended to Sunday 9 February. Apply at the link in bio. — Ronan Pirozzi, 'Serpentine', 2023; 'Trajectory', 2023; 'Desolate', 2023; installation view, undo the day, NAS Gallery, Sydney, 2024, oil on welded steel, image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Zan Wimberley

The National Art School has today announced respected Australian academic, writer and curator Dr Kristen Sharp as the next Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Kristen joins the National Art School with extensive experience in the fields of contemporary art and tertiary education having spent six years as Associate Dean Discipline, Art in the School of Art at RMIT University, and previously 9 years as Academic Lead Art History and Theory at RMIT. She will commence her new role at the National Art School on 24th February 2025.

Read the full media release at the link in bio.

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Jan 30

Open
The National Art School has today announced respected Australian academic, writer and curator Dr Kristen Sharp as the next Director and Chief Executive Officer. Kristen joins the National Art School with extensive experience in the fields of contemporary art and tertiary education having spent six years as Associate Dean Discipline, Art in the School of Art at RMIT University, and previously 9 years as Academic Lead Art History and Theory at RMIT. She will commence her new role at the National Art School on 24th February 2025. Read the full media release at the link in bio.

Don’t miss out! This is your last chance to apply for our BFA degree for 2025. Applications for our final round close Sunday 26 January.

Apply now at the link in bio.

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Jan 23

Open
Don’t miss out! This is your last chance to apply for our BFA degree for 2025. Applications for our final round close Sunday 26 January. Apply now at the link in bio.

Set your child on a creative path with Art Club Term 1 - Drawing.

They’ll spend Tuesday afternoons developing their skills in this drawing fundamentals program that covers still life, portraiture, and experimental drawing.

Learn more at the link in bio.

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Jan 22

Open
Set your child on a creative path with Art Club Term 1 - Drawing. They’ll spend Tuesday afternoons developing their skills in this drawing fundamentals program that covers still life, portraiture, and experimental drawing. Learn more at the link in bio.

We’re Hiring!

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Exhibitions Project Officer - Application Deadline Sunday 2 February

The Exhibitions Project Officer is a member of the NAS Galleries Curatorial Team and provides administrative and operational support to the National Art School’s Galleries exhibition programs. It has a focus on major Indigenous exhibition projects currently in development for the National Art School as well as touring programs. Please note this is part time, three day a week, fixed term contract until 19 December 2025.

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Digital Marketer - Application Deadline Sunday 2 February

The Digital Marketer 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. You will have a thorough understanding of marketing principles with a focus on digital media channels and e-communications.

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Visit the link in bio to learn more.

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Jan 21

Open
We’re Hiring! — Exhibitions Project Officer - Application Deadline Sunday 2 February The Exhibitions Project Officer is a member of the NAS Galleries Curatorial Team and provides administrative and operational support to the National Art School’s Galleries exhibition programs. It has a focus on major Indigenous exhibition projects currently in development for the National Art School as well as touring programs. Please note this is part time, three day a week, fixed term contract until 19 December 2025. — Digital Marketer - Application Deadline Sunday 2 February The Digital Marketer 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. You will have a thorough understanding of marketing principles with a focus on digital media channels and e-communications. — Visit the link in bio to learn more.
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