“Ze Frog & Toad”

“Nicholas Chalmers challenges the conventional gallery space”

18-months after his debut art show ”YES! YES! YES! Thankyou but no!” in Brisbane, Nicholas Chalmers’ is back to gratify his audience, but this time around in the back of a rental truck. ”Ze Frog & Toad” is the latest brain-child of Chalmers’ projects. Deciding to challenge the conventional gallery space, Chalmers’ will exhibit his latest works in the back of a modified removal style truck. The exhibition will be showcased in its first location, in association with City Lights Projects, on Friday 3rd of September in Melbourne for one night only, followed by Sydney and Brisbane.

“Ze Frog & Toad” is a fresh take on the quintessential stark white walls of the modern gallery space. Featuring Chalmers’ latest collection of paintings, photographs and prints, “Ze Frog and Toad” exhibits an array of small artworks for sale. Showcasing ornate, detailed ink work on wood and paper, along with photographs from his worldly travels, Chalmers’ portrays his quirky perspective of situations and expectations, illustrating his social views. His didactic yet humorous artwork aims to entertain, provoke and engage his viewers.

Deeply immersed in the Australian lowbrow art subculture, Chalmers’ body of work as a professional artist is impressive. Having been involved in numerous group art shows such as “I Used to Skate Once”, “Wax Off”, “Sizzle” and “Lovers’ Land”, Nicholas’ intricate work is easily recongnisable amongst the Australian artistic smorgasbord. Working the 9-5 grind as a graphic artist, Chalmers’ artistic repertoire is constantly expanding and improving.

“Ze Frog and Toad” is being showcased in Melbourne on Friday 3rd September from 5.30pm on the corner of Rutledge and Hosier Lane, in Sydney at on Friday 10^th September from 5.30pm on the North end of  Marlborough Street, Surry Hills, and in Brisbane on Friday 17^th September from 6pm at Nine Lives Gallery. Challenging the conventional gallery space, and providing his audience with a fresh concept, ”Ze Frog and Toad” is sure to encapsulate Chalmers’ meticulous artistic touch and insight to provide an exhibition high in quality and innovative standards. Head to the zefrogandtoad.com for weekly webisodes and blog updates of the “Ze Frog and Toad’s” journey.

You ever seen a pair of sneakers held fast in a block of resin? what about a 3ft high skull that was illustrated completely in pencil? pieces like this and more were on display last night at the opening of Wax Off | The Nouveau Surf exhibition at the Greenwood Gallery. I dunno, but maybe you’ve seen a few posts about the show on this site before??

So last night came and went. Wax Off 2010 is now open at the Greenwood Gallery in South Melbourne, a space that surprised me how amazing it is when it’s fitted out with art. If you get the chance, whether it be for the Wax Off show or another, go check the joint out. It’s good.

A good vibe is always accompanied with free beer and we got beer for the event from the fine people at the Otway Estate – thank you Tony! They delivered the beer on the final horn, much to the relief of the thirsty art enthusiasts. The gallery topped out at around 80-100 people, there was an adult with a backpack, a girl who had cowboy spurs in her heels and plenty of flannel/plaids and big boots. The show ran well past it’s scheduled 8pm closing, hard being popular.

My favourite piece? A surfboard Luke Taaffe got shaped and then drew all over. Very nice indeed. Running a hot second was a piece by Luke Morrell, all drawn by pencil.

And if you have ever tried to airbrush something and realised how hard it is, get down to the gallery to take a look at  Wade Lewis’ art, he whipped up the Wax Off feature piece in an afternoon – no biggie. haha Its Amazing.

And a big thanks must go to Xavier Davies, the guy who organised the entire shindig while juggling a full time job and a new born grom. Tip o the hat to you Davies on a job well done! Words by Lincoln Eather

More Info: Empire Ave / Greenwood Gallery

I met Jay Adams years ago in Hawaii, it was a handshake and gday and that was about it. But I wont forget it.

I aint one for heroes or icons, but when it comes to guys like Jay Adams its out of my hands. He is an Icon regardless of my thought.