MEDIA RELEASE
FRIDAY 29/9/17
The inaugural opening of new exhibition space, activating a key lane way between NT House and TIO Center in Mitchell street, conceived, developed, curated, and project managed by Koulla Roussos, and featuring iconic works by Frank Gohier from his Red Hand print collection, and experimental video art by seven emerging local experimental video artists. The initiative is part of the much anticipated NT Government’s LIVE DARWIN ARTS, which seeks to engage artists to revitalise the CBD.
Koulla Roussos, local Barrister and Independent curator, has developed an innovative exhibition program to exhibit temporary contemporary art exhibitions in the open reflecting Darwin’s dynamic identity and outdoor lifestyle. Using digital printing, works are scanned and printed on vinyl and are affixed on specially constructed weather proof white exhibition walls.
“Darwin is a very dynamic place. I wanted to open up the city to contemporary art in a way that mirrored Darwin’s energy and spirit. We have a tradition of accepting new people and new ideas. People come and go and leave with an imprint of Darwin forever stamped on their memory and heart” said Ms Roussos.
“Darwin is also a home to so many artists who interpret and shape its constantly shifting identity. One of our most revered artists is Franck Gohier, whose laconic sense of humor has been shaping our contemporary culture for over 30 years. I wanted to open the Lane Art Space with a tribute to his print work, as a way of acknowledging the important role he has played over the years in getting Darwin on the international art radar. ” said Ms Roussos
“ I have created the Lane Art Space to get our art and culture outside of the usual art gallery and into the street, to stimulate conversation and to get people out and about into our lane ways, to connect with and enjoy our quirky, laconic and irreverent Top End sense of humor” said Ms Roussos.
“The support I have received for this project has been tremendous. The NT Government and the City of Darwin have been joined by some of Darwin’s leading business men and women to help me realise this project. I especially want to acknowledge the generous support received from Nick Hannigan( Paspaley Group), Jason Hanna(Deck Bar), Maria Simeon (Café Del Art), Luke Hunter(Knight Franck), John Halikos (Halikos Group), Ann Combe(TIO), Simon Chadbourne (Rydges Palmerston), Darren Lynch, Elenea Gomatos and Darleen Chin (Darwin City & Waterfront Retailers Association),Candice Miles ( Squire Patton Boggs Legal), and Angela Tomazos (NAB).
Key guests include: The Administrator, the Honourable Mr John Hardy and Mrs Hardy. Minister for Tourism and Culture, The Honourable Ms Lauren Moss MLA will be at the Lane Art Space preview drinks at the Deck Bar from 4:30pm– 5:15 pm. The exhibition will be opened by Mr Jeff Collins, MLA, Member for Fong Lim.
When: 29 September 2017 5:30pm Official opening to public: 5:45pm
VIP and media briefing from 4:30pm at the Deck Bar, 22 Mitchell Street
For more information including interviews, media briefing; and on site photo opportunities contact:
Koulla Roussos ( 0432 140 657); Franck Gohier ( 0497 751 954); Jason Hanna (0414 869 297)