There are many great pleasures working at Kate Owen Gallery, but none gives me more joy than meeting the artists and hearing their stories. When Tony Sorby arrives with his latest body of work, you’re greeted with a smile and sense of joy that lights up a room.

A powerful optimism which I believe reverberates through his art with its graphic quality, a technique which may have originated from his mastery of marquetry as a young man.

Tony Sorby stands before you as a proud Kamilaroi man. The Kamilaroi Nation is one of the largest Indigenous Nations in Australia. Kamilaroi country stretches from as far as the Hunter Valley in NSW through to Nindigully in QLD and as far west as the Warrumbungle Mountains near Coonabarabran in NSW, sweeping across the Liverpool Plains. 

For generations, government policies attempted to sever the Kamilaroi people’s cultural connection to family and country, and Tony Sorby stands as a walking history of the great upheavals that shook the community during the twentieth century.

Spending time with Tony, you hear snippets of tales from his early life, a story known all too well for the Koori community of the East Coast but perhaps still confronting for people who have not lived it; mission life, orphanages,  in and out of foster homes and institutions, run ins with the police. A story that has been told before that usually leaves audiences feeling paralysed with despair.

But Tony uses his talents to lift people up. He’s able to tell his personal story in a manner that always brings audiences together; to reflect on the hurt we cause one another but also the healing that can take place and let us rise above it all.

Tony’s art, much like the man himself, has an optimistic approach. It tells of walking in the footsteps of his ancestors; returning to country and learning of his culture and identity. Seeking inspiration from the land, creeks and rivers. He paints what has brought so much comfort and happiness to his own life.

His journey tracks are alive with history, historical and personal stories.

His art is a powerful statement of survival and resilience.

Tony Sorby’s art has continued to develop and we are proud to showcase this exquisite new body of work in our Charcoal Gallery – the first of what I hope will be many solo shows.   

ONLINE EXHIBITION will be available from Thursday 9 Februrary

Sad News I'm afraid - we have just got word that the much loved artist, Trevor 'Turbo' Brown, has passed away quite suddenly. The KOG Crew are shocked and deeply saddened by the news, and out of respect we have removed all of his artwork from our website until we have time to process the announcement.

We took great delight in sharing Turbo's deadly depictions of the Dreamtime with his first solo show at KOG back in 2014. Since then, he's had a strong following and continued to collect an impressive collection of accolades, awards and exhibitions. Just last year he was Highly Commended at the Cossak Art Awards, and selected for Sovereignty, a major exhibition at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Melbourne, focusing on the contemporary art of First Nations peoples of South East Australia. 

There were times in Turbo's life when he did it tough, but his wit, street-smarts and flair gave him a strength of character, a resilience, and an endearing personality which I think is evident in his work. He moved everyone lucky enough to spend time with him.

I will continue to smile every time I see Turbo's Art - and like to think he has travelled safely home to his Latje Latje Country. Farewell Turbo, you will be sorely missed.

Kate Owen Gallery sends our deepest condolences the the family and the Koorie Communities. 

black + white | 2 july - 17 july

We are excited to announce that our July exhibition will be a diverse show of contemporary Indigenous artworks inspired by ancient Dreamings and the Australian landscape.

Included will be works by widely acclaimed artists Barbara Weir, Dorothy Napangardi, Nyilyari Tjapangati, Warlimpirringa Tjapaltjarri and Yinarupa Nangala. The work of these artists is featured in many of the major galleries and collections in Australia and internationally.

Geoff has recently travelled to the Northern Territory to commission works specially painted in black and white for this exhibition; most notably by artists not known for works in this colour palette. The stand out is this incredible 3m piece by the granddaughter of Minnie Pwerle, Charmaine Pwerle. This artwork will take pride of place in the exhibition.

Stay tuned - more information to come!

black + white | 2 july - 17 july

As I step into the charcoal gallery I feel as if I have been transported to the dreamtime; a time and place where all animals live in unspoiled harmony.  Turbo’s engaging pictorial style and irresistibly quirky critters have an unabashed loveliness to them.

His Tasmanian Tiger appears to be smiling right at you

While the Sixteen Pink Galahs are happy chatting amongst themselves, basking in the afternoon sun

Turbo’s work may seem naive in the simplicity of form, but there is an incredible energy in the dynamic composition, colour and line.

Using bright colours and bold outline, he usually works on a large scale and paints quickly using unmixed acrylic paint. His Engaging pictorial style and distinctive creatures from the dreamtime makes his works pulsate with an irresistible and syncopated beat.

Here, Turbo depicts two wombats – one above ground and the second appears to be nestled safely in their borrow, almost as if viewed from an aerial perspective.  It is this innovative and bold style that has seen Turbo achieve substantial recognition in just a few short years, as well as carve out a significant exhibition history. 

This will be a very fun opening weekend - the exhibition is a burst of colour and life; a celebration of Turbo and of Koorie culture and spirit. I encourage you all to visit the gallery this weekend and spend some time in Turbo’s Dreamtime.

To view all of Turbo’s artwork click here.

To read his incredible Biography, click here.