Presence: Drawing Symposium 2021
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In this time of forced introversion and on-line communication, The National Centre for Drawing’s 2021 Drawing symposium delves into the question of what Drawing is and does now, how it connects us to the present and makes us present in the world.
Eight very different artists from all over the world will talk to you and each other about the role of drawing in their practice and the drawings that inspire them.
Hosted in the National Art School’s historic Cell Block Theatre, you are invited to attend either online or in person. If you are not in Sydney there will be online options for you to join the conversation.
Speakers
Gerry Davies (UK), Maria Kontis (VIC), Anita Fricek (Austria), Margaret Roberts (NSW), Peter Bonner (USA), Aida Tomescu (NSW), James Nguyen (VIC), Lucienne Rickard (TAS)
Background
We hope that the unusual events of 2020 will enable us to link more closely with artists across the globe and in this context, which generates a strange disjunction between physical presence and on-line connection, the symposium will consider what drawing has to offer the simple idea of being present.
Drawing is powerfully and particularly about presence. The symposium will consider ways that drawing can conjure, evoke, embody and restore this quality of actualisation in both material and non-material, real and virtual modes of being. Emerging from an increasing need to occupy digital environments, the symposium encourages conversations about what this means in the context of drawing.
Presence refers to the state of existence, while also suggesting what is not visible, but rather sensed. The symposium invites discussion on the various ways drawing can elicit presence; from the graphic mark as record/trace to durational, performative and spatial manifestations.
Given the theme and the climate, the symposium will navigate physical and on-line participation.
National Centre for Drawing
The National Centre for Drawing at the National Art School promotes and nurtures practice, research and scholarship in drawing in all of its manifestations. Positioned at the core of an educational institution and cultural precinct, it enables a range of audiences to engage more deeply with drawing. Through the practice of drawing, curatorial projects, exhibitions, publications, conferences, lectures and other special events, it nurtures a curiosity around drawing that is grounded in precedent but extends towards the unknown.
Program
9.30–9.45am
Introduction
9.45–10.45am
Anita Fricek and Margaret Roberts
10.45–11am
Questions
11–11.30am
Morning Tea
11.30am–12.30pm
Gerald Davies and Maria Kontis
12.30–12.45pm
Questions
12.45–1.30pm
Lunch
1.30–2.30pm
Peter Bonner and Aida Tomescu
2.30–2.45pm
Questions
2.45–3.15pm
Break
3.15–4.15pm
James Nguyen and Lucienne Rickard
4.15–4.30pm
Questions
4.30–4.45pm
Final remarks and close
4.45pm
Closing drinks
Opening Night — ‘Queer Contemporary: Chaosophy’
Join us Thursday 13 February for the opening night of ‘Queer Contemporary: Chaosophy’, an exhibition that brings together three generations of queer artists who make and break language across the intersections of art, activism, poetry and performance; as part of Mardi Gras 2025.
Curated by Dr Liz Bradshaw, with work by artists Kika Kereru Baker, Daniel Browning, Sam Chan, Blake Griffiths, Frankie L.A, nikita lelu, r e a, Victoria Spence, Jake Starr, Ali Tahayori, Magic Young and Justine Youssef.
With special guests Swamp Daisies.
RSVP at link in the bio.
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r e a, ’GARI (language) (detail)’, 2024-25, courtesy and © the artist
Justine Youssef, ‘Somewhat Eternal (detail)’, 2023, installation view, ACE, Adelaide, 2024, three channel synchronised video, embroidered faux mink blankets, Burnet Rose (Rosa spinosissima) hydrosol, Damask Rose (Rosa x damascena) hydrosol, Lebanese Cedar (Cedrus libani) hydrosol, Blessed Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) hydrosol, silver charms, image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Sam Roberts
Kika Baker, `Pendulum`, 2024, plaster, ink, copper, found plastic, image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Kika Baker
Blake Griffiths, ’Inhibitive Thoughts; stripping of the bark (detail)’, 2020, eucalyptus dyed woollen blanket, cotton, image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Document Photography
Jake Starr, `A Weak & Panicked Animal`, 2024, installation view, Syrup Contemporary, Sydney, 2024, digital video, 4K, screen, construction fence, child safety straps, aluminium bench, lego, power cords, image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Damien Dillon
Frankie L.A, `Pieces of`, 2024, worn machine made Persian rug, house paint, burnt wood, image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Frankie L.A
Jan 24
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.
Jan 21
The National Art School is delighted to announce rising multi-disciplinary artist Anna Mould as the first ever winner of a prestigious international artist residency program, the Prudence MacLeod Prize, generously supported by the Lansdowne Foundation, located at Acme Fire Station Studios, London.
Learn more about the prize at the link in bio.
@annalouisemould
@acme.art
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Anna Mould, ‘The Damned, Tambaroora NSW’, 2023, machine embroidery and acrylic on canvas, 50 x 50 cm
Jan 14
