Augustus Firestone: Making Sculpture Come Alive

MEDIA RELEASE

Exhibition Opening Tuesday 23rd May 2023 

Rediscovering the lost art of painted sculpture 

Bringing sculpture to life  

Augustus Firestone: Making sculpture come alive 

TAP Art Gallery will play host to multi-media artist Augustus Firestone’s exploration of the ‘whiting’ of ancient sculpture, and traces the artist’s journey into the painting and embellishment of sculpture.  

The main motivation for this exhibition is the accumulation of Firestone’s years of work exploring painted sculpture and more recently the appropriation of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures by neo-Nazi. This misrepresentation put a fire in Firestone’s belly to bring to life the true history of painted sculpture, where it came from and why it was lost before the Renaissance.  

White busts of Septimius Severus, the Black Emperor of England from 145 – 211 AD, demonstrate his point. 

“Severus was the first Black emperor of the Roman Empire. As per tradition, a marble bust was made of each new Roman Emperor, and his was painted in his North African skin tone. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the paint on his busts weathered, and due to the colour of the marble, he was portrayed as a white emperor.”  

Augustus Firestone is an Australian artist, a local Darlo boy, who became well known in Wellington New Zealand for his work on the Finalism painted sculpture art movement with other artists locally and internationally exploring similar themes. 

Firestone’s exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see ancient sculptures in a new light, thanks to the modern splash of colour that the artist brings to them. By contemplating what they would have looked like with paint, viewers can gain a fresh perspective and imagine their beauty and intricacy. The exhibition sheds light on the cultural and historical significance of historical sculptures, which go beyond their aesthetic appeal. Far from being mere representations of preconceived white sculptures, they reflect the rich diversity of humanity and the stories and traditions of the people who created them.  

As the Australian nation examines Aboriginal recognition in the constitution, this exhibition provides an opportunity to self-reflect on the historical implications of racism in European and Australian art. As society considers our collective responsibility to acknowledge and address past injustices, and Firestone presents a compelling collection of works to consider the ways in which art has been used as a tool of oppression. By taking a critical and introspective approach, we can work towards building a more equitable and just future for all. 

This exhibition promises to delight art lovers and curious minds alike. Firestone aims to spark important conversations and foster greater understanding and appreciation for art, its treatment of Indigenous cultures and histories, while highlighting the need for ongoing reflection and action towards reconciliation. 

Don’t miss this inspiring and thought-provoking exhibition. 

Augustus Firestone’s ‘Making Sculpture Come Alive’ exhibition opens Tuesday May 23^rd at TAP Art Gallery, Level 1 259 Riley St, Surry Hills 

More information:https://arena.org.au/white-sculpture-white-race/ 

Augustus Firestone: Making Sculpture Come Alive

TAP Gallery: Web: tapgallery.org.au * Youtube: youtube.com/tapgallerysydney
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Email: info@tapgallery.org.au * Tel: 0400610440 .
Level 1, 259 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW 2010