Newcastle Art Gallery has opened its first paid exhibition since reopening, featuring the work of acclaimed Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson.
Multiverse brings together more than a decade of Robinson’s practice, showcasing his large-scale linocut prints, sculptures, installations and digital animation.
The exhibition explores culture, history, mythology and imagination, combining Torres Strait Islander storytelling with contemporary influences.
The Cairns-based artist said each artwork in Multiverse contained multiple layers of storytelling.
“There are multiple stories in each and every piece,” Robinson said.
“It’s a chance for audiences to experience that immersive world that I created and follow me on that journey through the works.”
The exhibition invites visitors to look closely at the works, with hidden references and small details placed throughout many pieces.
One of the major works featured is Abracadabra, a four-panel linocut print filled with magical objects, cultural references and pop culture influences.
Robinson said he enjoyed seeing visitors discover their own connections within the artwork.
“I really enjoy people’s delight when they look at the work and realise they can find a connection to it,” he said.
“For some people it might be through the icons that I’ve grown up with, but once they look past those objects, they realise there are all these other hidden icons in the background.”
The exhibition also features Up at the Heavens the Gods Contemplate Their Next Move, a large-scale work combining linocut printing and sculpture.
Robinson said his work often explores similarities between traditional stories and the fictional worlds.
“There are these powerful individuals and spirits that have the ability to create landscapes and create constellations of the night sky,” he said.
“They reference a lot of the superheroes that you see in Marvel, DC and all those other wonderful universes.”
The artist also incorporated elements from Newcastle into one of the works after beginning Abracadabra during a residency at the University of Newcastle.
“I wanted to include a strong connection to the region,” Robinson told Newcastle Weekly.
“I included some artefacts from the university’s Oceanic collection because they have their own magical and spiritual properties.”
The exhibition marks an important milestone for both Newcastle Art Gallery and Robinson, with the artist saying it was the first time he had developed a paid exhibition.
“It’s a first for them, but it’s also a first for me,” he said.
“I’ve never developed an exhibition that has been a paid exhibition, so it’s been an amazing experience working with the gallery team.”
Robinson recently featured work at Vivid Sydney, including a rooftop animation at the National Maritime Museum and LED light sculptures across Sydney Harbour.
He said he was honoured to bring Multiverse to Newcastle audiences.
“I’m incredibly honoured to have worked with the gallery to bring the exhibition to audiences in Newcastle,” he said.
Multiverse is showing at Newcastle Art Gallery until 30 August.
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