OPENING NIGHT UP LATE: 7-9PM FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2024 WITH A PERFORMANCE FROM QING MIBILAHM
IN CONVERSATION: THE WHOLE QUEER STORY, IAN THOMAS, ZENITH VIRAGO & IAN TEACOSY GRAY Listen to the recorded talk now>
"Dancing in the Moonlight is a celebration of our vibrant and diverse queer community, an ode to the joy and resilience that binds us under the moonlit sky. It honours the power of love and the solidarity that emerges from shared experiences.
Each piece is a vibrant testament to the kaleidoscopic spectrum of queerness - a gathering of identities that bloom like wildflowers, unapologetically colourful and diverse. Just as the moonlight illuminates the darkness, our queer community sheds light on the world with resilience and a radiant spirit that transcends boundaries.
Highlighting often overlooked narratives, the work references the transformative energy and boundless creativity of the Northern Rivers queer communities.
In a shared space of colour and exhilaration, I’d like to acknowledge the fearlessness of queer elders who paved the way, the unity of coming together and the strength that comes from being unapologetically, authentically, and joyfully ourselves." Ian Thomas, 2023.
The exhibition also contains documents and images relating to Tropical Fruits and the wider queer history of the Northern Rivers from the archives of local community historian, Ian 'Teacosy' Gray.
BIO
In a more than twenty year career, Ian Thomas staged 20 solo exhibitions and had work included in numerous group shows in Sydney, Melbourne and London. Career highlights have included a residency and solo show at Factory 49 Paris; a public commission for the Newtown Art Seat for Mardi Gras 2019; showing as part of Pride Amplified during World Pride 2023; being a finalist in the Churchie Emerging Art Prize and receiving a highly commended award in the 2022 and 2023 Art Edit Self-Represented Art Prize.
His work is held in private and corporate collections throughout Australasia and Europe, having been purchased by such varied collectors as fashion designer, Colette Dinnigan and Melbourne’s five star Grand Hyatt Hotel. He is also a featured artist in the Sheraton Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Sydney. He has been selected to show at The Other Art Fair on nine occasions, in Sydney, Melbourne and London, was nominated in Vogue Living as one of five talents to watch at TOAF, Melbourne and was chosen as a feature artist by the Chief Curator and VP, Art Advisory at Saatchi Art. His work has appeared in many publications including GQ, Home Beautiful, Real Living and the Sydney Morning Herald.
www.ianthomasart.com.au @ianthomasart
About Qing Mibilahm:
Benja Roberts (AKA Qing Mibilahm) is a Bundjalung man living on Bundjalung jugun. He is a singer, song writer and producer with over 15 years experience in the music and arts industry. He is particularly drawn to soul, R&B and blues genres. Benja uses music as a form to process and deal with personal struggles, as well as share his culture. @mibilahm