Studio Visit: Will Cooke

Will Cooke opens his show “Still Lyfe” at China Heights this Friday night, so we stopped by late last week and caught some of the last additions to his new collection of unique abstract work. Will recently painted the Project Ugly billboard (coverage coming this week) and this new body of work is a big step forward in his process.

“Throughout ‘Still Lyfe’, Cooke paints from a collection of his own still life photographs. Considering discarded items that form crisp slaking lines, shapes, colours and reflections. Each object is left as is, their balance untouched, so as to produce a final image which has not been engineered.”

More on Will here.

“Still Lyfe” New work by Will Cooke – opens this Friday
Opening Night: Friday, May 31
China Heights

Will Cooke

Will Cooke

Will Cooke

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Photo Recap: Mark Drew “Deez Nuts” at China Heights

Mark Drew is the co-founder of China Heights and one of Australia’s finest exports (now residing in Tokyo, Japan).

As always, for his latest show Mark produced a solid body of work, combining his two loves; 90s rap lyrics and the classic children’s (so they say) comic book, Peanuts. The show also included a sculptural work that was the iconic dog house from the books, but aptly titled the Dogg House, accompanied by a Snoop Dogg tape, mobile phone and smoke bellowing out from the inside. More on Mark Drew here. Click below for the full set of photos.

Mark Drew

Mark Drew

Mark Drew

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A Study of Hands at China Heights

Backwards Gallery brought ‘A Study of Hands’ up to Sydney last week to show at China Heights. The exhibition, curated by Alexander Mitchell, was a collection of leading contemporary artists and their interpretation of hands. This is the first in an exciting journey which will cover different study collections to be completed over the next ten years. With the aim of creating an historic archive of work completed by artists including Kid Zoom, Reka, Dave Kinsey, Anthony Lister and Twoone.

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Opening shots – Mark Alsweiler ‘Across The Plains’ at China Heights

Last Friday was the opening of Mark Alsweiler’s show ‘Across the Plains’ at China Heights Gallery in Sydney. This show was a really nice step forward for Mark and his work. Taking a more minimal approach to display his work, and expanding more into the sculptural side of his process. The show was a quick weekend showing, so if you missed out, visit Mark’s website to see more of his work.

Mark Alsweiler

Mark Alsweiler

Mark Alsweiler

Mark Alsweiler

Mark Alsweiler

Mark Alsweiler

Mark Alsweiler

Mark Alsweiler

Mark Alsweiler ‘Across the Plains’ at China Heights

China Heights is proud to present ‘Across The Plains’, a new collection of work by Mark Alsweiler where sentimentality and a nostalgia for folk traditions are explored.

Through paintings and wood sculptures, Alsweiler reacts to the ways of the modern world. His work extends appropriated folk art from many regions, and emphasises the importance of mans relationship with nature and how it is a wilting connection. By carving wooden sculptures by hand, these notions are spotlighted further – we are reminded of finding joy in simple activities.

His subject’s semi-detailed expressions feel distant and missing: pondering blurred landscapes, and the possibility that things will be clearer on the other side, illustrating Alsweiler’s conflict with past and present, nature and machine. The outcome is happily flawed and proof that polished, digital perfection feels barren and impersonal.

www.markalsweiler.com
www.chinaheights.com

markalsweiler1

Mark Bode – ‘Cartoon Concert’ at The Standard

Last night we went along to see Mark Bode perform his (formerly his fathers) ‘Cartoon Concert’. A truly enjoyable evening of experiencing the Bode family artwork come to life via a slideshow and super funny voices by Mark Bode himself. If you missed out, well, too bad. However don’t miss out on his exhibition of original artwork at China Heights, this Friday night.

Opening 24th February, 6-9pm
China Heights
Level 3, 16-28 Foster Street, Surry Hills

Mark Bode - The Opening Hours

Mark Bode - The Opening Hours

Mark Bode - The Opening Hours

Mark Bode - The Opening Hours

Mark Bode - The Opening Hours

Mark Bode - The Opening Hours