▶ CAROL MURPHY + JOEL BLISS, CLOSING 9 APRIL

A reminder to visit the shows by Carol Murphy and Joel Bliss before they close on Saturday 9 April.

Carol Murphy's exhibition of small figurative ceramic sculptures demonstrate her playful nature. The works range from 'I Got Hungry', referencing the Folies Bergère star Josephine Baker and her infamous banana skirt dance to 'Enid (is equipped for all situations)' the heroine of the Ghost World comics complete with wooden club and laser gun.

'Return of The Bigots' by Joel Bliss features just six sculptures. The largest work is comprised of seven individual pieces made from steel, dipped in zinc and painted black. The five smaller works are also painted steel but incorporate a range of accents including timber, grip tape and rivets. The sharp angles of the works complimented the raw music performed by 'The Bigots' on the night of the opening.

▶ THE BIGOTS PERFORM AT BRENDA MAY GALLERY

On Saturday 19 March, the 90s punk band 'The Bigots' performed in conjunction with the openings of the solo exhibitions by Joel Bliss and Carol Murphy. Bliss is an original member of 'The Bigots' and reconsidered the aesthetic of the early recordings by the band for his new series of sculptures currently on view. 'Return of The Bigots' features six sculptures - one work comprised of seven individual pieces - of steel painted black with timber, grip tape and rivets as accents. The sharp angles of the works complimented the raw music performed by 'The Bigots'.

Two view other clips from the performance by 'The Bigots', please visit our YouTube page.

▶ JOEL BLISS ARTIST INTERVIEW ON AUSTRALIAN ART COLLECTOR

Joel Bliss has been interviewed by Australian Art Collector for their website. Click the image below to read the article or visit our press page to download a PDF of the interview.

The exhibition, 'Return of the Bigots' is now on view at the Gallery along with Carol Murphy's new series 'The importance of being Ernest...no, Enid'. The opening is Saturday 19 March from 4-6pm with a performance by The Bigots at 6pm.

▶ CAROL MURPHY + JOEL BLISS, OPENING 15 MARCH 2011

The exhibitions by CAROL MURPHY and JOEL BLISS will be on view starting Tuesday 15 February 2011. Please join the artists for a drink to celebrate the launch of their solo shows at the Gallery on Saturday 19 March from 4-6pm.

The title of Carol Murphy's exhibition is a play on Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest' from 1895. It is a small figurative ceramic exhibition, questioning identity, choice and living a life in earnest.

Left & Centre: Carol Murphy, "Ouch! I said pin-up girl!" 2010, ceramic, 43 x 14 x 8cm

Right: Joel Bliss, "Bast Beat" 2011, steel, timber, stainless steel, rivets, paint, 85 x 60 x 30cm

Joel Bliss states of his upcoming exhibition, "my experience within the Australian punk subculture is explored through my recent sculpture. I am creating sculptures that relate to recordings made by my band, The Bigots, in the late 90s and early 2000s, [and] my interest in rat-motorbikes [documented] with a collaborative one-off zine titled Rat Bike. Reflecting upon imagery from the Rat Bike zine, I am recreating this punk attitude and aesthetic in my sculpture."

ART MONTH SYDNEY/GALLERY EVENT: In conjunction with the opening of his exhibition on Saturday 19 March, Joel Bliss will reform his punk band, 'The Bigots', for a once only performance at 6pm. No RSVP required.

▶ FREE ART MONTH 2011 EVENTS AT BRENDA MAY GALLERY

On Saturday 5 March at 10am, Morgan Shimeld will be giving a tour of his studio which is just around the corner from the Gallery. Places are limited and the first to rsvp will secure a spot, please email info@brendamaygallery.com.au if you wish to attend.

Later the same day, 5 March, Sybil Curtis will be giving a floor talk in the Gallery at 1pm. This event is available to all and a RSVP is not required.

Finally, in conjunction with the opening of the new exhibition by Joel Bliss, on Saturday 19th of March, his rock punk band, 'The Bigots', will be reforming to perform at 6pm. No RSVP required.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Art Month events at the Gallery. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.