Mighty Small

By Sharne Wolff

‘Great things are done by a series of small things brought together’ or at least that’s what Vincent Van Gogh is supposed to have said. At Brenda May Gallery curator Olivia Welch is attempting great things for her small but ‘mighty’ show where she’s collected the work of around 18 artists who make miniature, humble art with matching tiny prices – some of which can even be purchased from the Gallery vending machine (the BMG Vending Machine Project 2013).

Will Coles describes himself as a ‘sculptor, street artist and freelance European’. His cast resin Combat Heroes stand around 6cm high and are a quirky political take on children’s toy soldiers. Bianca Chang’s minimal sculptures are constructed from white paper and explore ideas of pure form and geometry. The miniature worlds of artists Irianna Kanellopoulou and Janet Parker-Smith are expressed in narrative forms through ceramics and collage respectively, and Mylyn Nguygen’s ‘Bombus’ (or bumblebees) transport microscopic versions of homes she’s lived in on their backs. Using graphite on paper only 7.5 cm square Tanmaya Bingham has drawn a delicate cast of Almost Animals with very individual personalities. Jim Croke’s blocky steel sculptures pack a powerful punch despite their scaled down form while Todd Fuller’s ceramic sculpture (including an ipod playing ‘Adrift’) envokes contemplation on the work-life balance. Other artists included in the show are Robert Boynes, Kelly Ann Lees, Emily McIntosh, Clare Toms, Lezlie Tilley, Anne Penman Suite, Walters Brecely, Peter Tilley, Janet Tavener, and electronic music collective ‘Filthy Children’.

Until July 27

Brenda May Gallery, Waterlohttp://www.brendamaygallery.com.au