Fulgora curated by EO Gill
EXHIBITIONS
Fulgora curated by EO Gill
3 February – 5 March 2023
The Rayner Hoff Project Space
Monday to Saturday
11am – 5pm
Free admission
Exhibition Image Design Charlie Cummings
Coinciding with Sydney WorldPride 2023 and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the National Art School is delighted to present the group exhibition Fulgora curated by video artist and independent curator EO Gill.
Fulgora presents a suite of commissioned video works by 5 Australian-based artists that are punctuated by a selection of films programmed in collaboration with LA-based collective Dirty Looks Inc.
The fulgora, more commonly known as ‘the lantern fly’, is a species of winged insect with a large, bulbous proboscis. Originally thought to produce light, the proboscis has no obvious practical or survivalist function. The entomologist Roger Caillois uses the useless proboscis to define insect mimicry as a ‘luxury’ rather than something to do with natural survival. The fly’s unique endowment points to a decadent excess of evolution.
The fulgora symbolises figures of luxuriance, characterised by delight in perversion, indulgence and pleasure on the one hand, and evasion, disappearance and deception on the other.
By extension, Fulgora speaks to luxuriant video practices that disrupt conventional acts of looking and force us to ask where our pleasure begins.
Recommended for age 16 years and up.
Fulgora is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
Australia-based Video Works:
Tarik Ahlip, Claudia Nicholson, Jimmy Nuttall, Ainslie Templeton, and VT.
LA Based Program with Dirty Looks Inc. featuring Tom Chomont, Michael Zen
Dirty Looks Inc
Dirty Looks Inc is a non-profit platform for queer film, video, and performance founded in 2011. Using film and time-based art to illuminate queer histories and liminal spaces across Los Angeles and New York City, Dirty Looks traces contemporary queer aesthetics through historical works, presenting quintessential GLBTQ film and video, alongside up-and-coming artists and filmmakers.
Fondly remembered by a generation of TV viewers as the creator of `Mr Squiggle`, Norman Hetherington OAM (1921-2010) was a student at the National Art School from 1937-1941.
Co-scripted by his wife, Margaret, `Mr Squiggle` ran on the ABC for 40 years becoming the longest running children’s TV program in the world.
Norman Hetherington’s daughter Rebecca Hetherington co-hosted Mr Squiggle and in 2002 helped her father with his first solo exhibition (curated by NAS alumna Toni Warburton) at the Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre in the Blue Mountains.
Rebecca donated many of Norman’s works to the NAS Collection, including his poster (designed and painted when he was 17 years old) for the first known film by NAS students. `Love Laughs at Death` screened at NAS from 30 September-5 October 1938, and while the film itself has been lost, a photo and newspaper article about it were kept by actor and NAS alumna Shirley Jones.
The National Museum of Australia in Canberra (@nationalmuseumofaustralia) is showing the free exhibition `Mr Squiggle and Friends` until October 13.
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Norman Hetherington
(1921-2010)
NAS student 1937-1938; 1939-1941
`Mr Squiggle`, etching, 12 x 9.5 cm, Gift of Rebecca Hetherington, 2023, National Art School Collection
Photographer unknown. Students Jim Swan, Shirley Jones and Jack Edwards from the film `Love Laughs at Death`, made and screened at NAS in 1938. This photograph was displayed on the front page of ‘The Labor Daily’, 3 September 1938. Jim Swan was the producer, Shirley Jones an actor, as was Jack Edwards who played the ‘Crazy Scientist’.
`Love Laughs at Death`, 1938 , gouache on cardboard, 63 x 55 cm , Gift of Rebecca Hetherington, 2020, National Art School Collection
`Screws`, 1937, ink on card, 11.5 x 12 cm, Gift of Rebecca Hetherington, 2022, National Art School Collection
`Man in suit`, 1937, gouache on card, 32 x 14.5 cm, Gift of Rebecca Hetherington, 2022, National Art School Collection
`Colour for men`, gouache on paper, 38 x 27 cm, Gift of Rebecca Hetherington, 2022, National Art School Collection
Oct 5
Final weeks to visit The Neighbour at the Gate, closing Saturday 18 October.
Across various mediums and perspectives, The Neighbour at the Gate charts the entangled legacies of exclusion and resilience, drawing vital parallels between the past and present, memory and nationhood.
Learn more about the exhibition and plan your visit at the link in bio.
Please note: the gallery is closed for Labour Day Monday 6 October
Oct 3
Enjoy 20% off a Summer School Short Course with code FLASHSALE20
Don’t miss this exclusive 20% off flash sale on the National Art School Summer School Short Courses (link in bio). Flash Sale starts right now and ends midnight Monday 6 October.*
*Offer begins midday Friday 3 October and ends midnight Monday 6 October. Terms and conditions apply.
Oct 3
We are pleased to share the exciting news that we are introducing a new BFA (Hons) degree at the National Art School in 2026.
The Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) is an intensive one-year program designed for graduates of the BFA who are ready to deepen their studio practice and expand their academic and professional capabilities. This course is ideal for emerging artists who want to refine their practice, build industry connections, and prepare for postgraduate study or professional opportunities in the creative sector.
New scholarships will be available to students entering the BFA (Hons), with further details to be shared later this year. For more information and key dates, visit futurestudents.nas.edu.au (link in bio).
Oct 2
Join us for free 18+ concert `Afterglow` – The Neighbour at the Gate exhibition closing party.
Headlined by Miss Kaninna, the event features performances by HYLANDER, Rocky Stallone, BRINA, Kuya Hennessy, and DJ Court Jester. RSVP today as tickets are going fast!
Afterglow
Thursday 16 October
Doors: 4.30pm
Concert starts: 7.00pm
Cell Block Theatre, National Art School
Please note: if the Cell Block reaches capacity, you’re welcome to enjoy the concert from the courtyard until space opens up inside. Food trucks and pop up bar.
FREE ADMISSION, RSVP is essential due to limited capacity (link in bio)
Oct 1
We are pleased to welcome three distinguished individuals to our Board of Directors. Each of our new board members brings a wealth of expertise, insight, and passion for the arts. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to creative excellence will play a pivotal role in guiding NAS into its next chapter.
Please join us in warmly welcoming: Emilya Colliver, Helen Lochhead AO and Lucy Keeler.
Photo credit: Jacqui Manning (Emilya Colliver); John Nguyen Photography (Helen Lochhead AO); Paul McMillan (Lucy Keeler)
Sep 30
