With one hand, Artbank heroes artists who may otherwise struggle to emerge in a competitive and sometimes luck-based industry. With the other, it extends the reach of art by gifting it to the public who may otherwise never think to seek it out. Harnessing art’s ability to garner boldness and empathy, Artbank’s role remains crucial in showcasing thought-provoking joys from contemporary Australian artists.

Atong Atem considers photographers cyborgs. “The camera becomes an extension of their body, movements, height, choice of angle.” The invitation and joy of her work, she surmises, comes from recognising the photographer’s intervention between what is captured and the truth of things.

Artist Profile: March 2022

Image: Atong Atem ‘A yellow dress, a bouquet 4‘, 2022, Art Gallery of New South Wales, La Prairie Art Award 2022 © Atong Atem

Bosch reveals the pitfalls of blindly following others, of wanting what they have and propelling a collective greed.

Silent Symphony alludes to nature's exquisite designs by referencing fundamental archetypal patterns and forms.

Copy for Artist’s Statement: May 2021

Photographers and Architects both frame space and are selective when at work. In his book, Spectrum, John Pawson clarifies the distinctions between the two practices, despite also evincing a common sentiment. 

Architecture gives context to the values held during a particular time, in a certain place. A little like art. Even more so, a gallery’s design acts as a precursor, setting the tone for the art inside. 

The way that art is consumed changes constantly. From social media, where art is viewed through someone else’s lens, to street art where unassuming bystanders become an audience. But these are only a couple of ways to consider the changing consumption of art.

Quite a lot can be gleaned about a person from the way they spend their lunch hour. For example, are you:

a.     Someone who catches themself looking down at their keyboard wondering how long the bits of brown rice and quinoa have been stuck in it?