The Guardian: Portrait of a mentor: ‘granddaddy of National Art School campus finds himself the subject

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The Guardian: Portrait of a mentor: ‘granddaddy of National Art School campus finds himself the subject

2020-09-07

by Danielle Neely

Article by Ben Doherty

“When you paint someone you know, it is not just a subject, it’s someone you have a connection with. I wanted to capture that soul, that person, the generosity that everyone sees in him. I hope I have done that.” – Lesley Wengembo

The Guardian Australia speak with current student Lesley Wengembo and the subject of his Archibald Prize entry, NAS Campus Assistant Mal Nabogi about the National Art School, Wengembo’s practice and Nabogi’s positive influence special connection to all students on campus.

Read more through the link below.

Image: National Art School student Lesley Wengembo with Mal Nabogi, standing, the subject of his Archibald prize entry. Photo: Carly Earl/The Guardian

Opening 12 February — Queer Contemporary, as part of @sydneymardigras

This year`s edition presents `Liz Bradshaw: I didn`t expect to live this long` — an exhibition of large-scale sculpture and installation works that offer a personal and political queering of time, space, materiality, and idea — with student exhibitions organised by Jack Oliver Owen and nikita lelu.

Join us for the opening night on Thursday 12 February, from 6–9pm.

RSVP 🔗 in bio.

—
Liz Bradshaw, `Two Pair`, 2023

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Feb 1

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Opening 12 February — Queer Contemporary, as part of @sydneymardigras

This year's edition presents 'Liz Bradshaw: I didn't expect to live this long' — an exhibition of large-scale sculpture and installation works that offer a personal and political queering of time, space, materiality, and idea — with student exhibitions organised by Jack Oliver Owen and nikita lelu.

Join us for the opening night on Thursday 12 February, from 6–9pm.

RSVP 🔗 in bio.

—
Liz Bradshaw, 'Two Pair', 2023

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.

—
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

—
Photography: @zanwimberley

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Jan 16

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The Guardian: Portrait of a mentor: ‘granddaddy of National Art School campus finds himself the subject