Exhibition cost:                    Free

Once again, FireWorks showcases the often-underappreciated mediums of sculpture and drawing in a group exhibition that engulfs both levels of the gallery in Evidence of Scale II: Drawings & sculpture. Contrasting this exhibition is Gloria Petyarre: Last leaves, an intimate display of unique paintings from the award-winning artist (recently deceased), who once resided in the Utopia region of the Northern Territory.

Evidence of Scale II features over 70 works from FireWorks stable artists Alick Sweet, David Paulson, Pat Hoffie, Phil Gordon and Rod Moss. The gallery also introduces new artists to the gallery Piyali Ghosh and Stephen Hart; as well as two bronze sculptures by Joe Furlonger whose exhibition (in partnership with Bruce Heiser projects), Land and Sea was recently hosted at the gallery.

New drawings pose philosophical questions on the human condition. Fascinating and intricate ink drawings (both large and small scale) by Indian multidisciplinary artist Piyali Ghosh feature familiar yet unsettling compositions of human figures, seemingly in metaphysical turmoil. Local artist David Paulson sets up abstract ‘still life’ arrangements in his meticulous graphite and mixed media works which are, in themselves, “about drawing”.

Showing for the first time at FireWorks are Stephen Hart’s 13 (large and small) carved wooden sculptures from a career spanning over 30 years. Hart comments, “This contribution to Evidence of Scale, is by circumstance; disparate, reflecting a year on pause - a hiatus. The Brisbane/ Maiwar River’s refusal to be contained in March’s flood event has, for now, closed my studio. Not that I’m blaming the river, its sense of scale is as variable as my own!”

Also working with wood, sculptor Alick Sweet uses recycled timber to create a pack of playful Saw Stool Dogs alongside Phil Gordon’s light-hearted, small bronze native animals such as the wombat, kangaroo and dingo.

In the mezzanine gallery, eight paintings by celebrated Aboriginal painter Gloria Petyarre from 2003 depict her distinctive signature leaf design, rationalised to its simplest forms. Always the innovator, Gloria was not afraid to experiment with her own visual language and minimalist composition. These works metaphorically ponder, “What happens when all the leaves are gone?” and offer a poetic counterpoint to the repetitive dotting that is typical of the painting style in this desert region.

For Gallery Director, Michael Eather, the combination of sculpture and drawing highlights the conceptual playground that these artists grapple with and operate within every day. The combination can take audiences into strange and nuanced terrain. Regarding Last Leaves, this is a delightful collection of rare works. Painted in Brisbane in 2003 when Gloria was completing a residency, the works still feel fresh and timeless.