Photo Essay | Dennis Golding, Bingo | The Neighbour at the Gate
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.
The brick-like etchings and copper plates resemble the terracotta terraces of Redfern – a vital site of Aboriginal community and resistance, where Dennis was raised.
Each card tells a family story: cats curled on sun-warmed steps, the long coil of a corded phone, letters opened slowly, a cup of tea cooling by the sink, the quiet rattle of fishing gear. Earthy tones recall the walls of Dennis’ childhood and the ochres of Aboriginal art, while blue and red ink –reminiscent of biro – echoes the everyday. Some surfaces bear the dust of soil pressed gently into the paper, a residue of place.
Bingo offers no easy nostalgia. It speaks of strength formed in closeness, of laughter shared across tables, of walls that held community, not confinement. It is a tender monument to survival, made from the small, enduring things that hold us.
‘It wasn’t about winning, but the feeling of freedom and connection.’
– Dennis Golding
Bingo was commissioned by the National Art School Gallery for the major exhibition The Neighbour at the Gate (11 July – 18 October 2025) with proud support by the NSW Government through the Blockbusters Funding initiative. It was produced at the National Art School with the assistance of master printer and artist Janet Parker-Smith; Carolyn Mckenzie-Craig, NAS Head of Printmaking; and Rebecca O’Shea, NAS Printmaking Studio Technician.
Photography by Peter Morgan.
Early Round Applications close in 9 days!
All students are encouraged to apply to our Early Admissions Round before 21 August 2025 to secure their place.
Applications for the School Recommendation Scheme close on 4 October. If you`re applying for a scholarship, be sure to submit your application by this deadline as well.
At NAS Open Day take an inside look into art school life. Visit open studios and participate in creative workshops and get application ready with a one-on-one portfolio consultation and information session. (Link in bio)
Aug 12
Exciting news! Thanks to Creality (@creality_anz), the National Art School is now equipped with the latest 3D printers and equipment.
This semester, printmaking lecturer Stephanie Nova Milne has been guiding students as they explore 3D printing in their creative practice, and the results are incredible.
We look forward to seeing what they create next.
Aug 11
The Future is creative, and it starts here. Join us for Open Day on 6 September and discover why the National Art School is the art school of choice.* Visit nas.edu.au/open-day for more information.
*Leading art school preferences in UAC 2016-2025.
Music by NAS Alum @harrison_chao
Aug 8
Hello, Art Adventurer!
You`re invited to make a journey with Booby and Eel through an exhibition filled with BIG artworks with powerful stories and ideas.
Follow the trail, read the clues, and get hands-on with art. When you get too tired after the adventuring, we have a cosy Children`s Corner to read and rest.
NAS Gallery is now open on Sundays and we can`t wait to welcome you this weekend!
Aug 7
Due to the overwhelming interest in The Neighbour at the Gate, we are excited to announce that the NAS Gallery is now open on Sunday, for the duration of the exhibition.
Head to the link in bio to plan your visit.
Aug 1
Ever wondered what it’s like studying at the National Art School?
Find out at our Open Day on Saturday 6 September, 10am to 4pm.
Considering art as a career or simply curious about what happens behind the school’s historic sandstone walls? Save the date on Eventbrite (link in bio) to see what life is like for students at NAS by participating in studio demonstrations, chatting to our academic staff and visiting the NAS Gallery and student exhibition spaces across our campus.
Jul 30
