Lismore Laneways Artistic Elements Update

From February to March 2021, the Back Alley Gallery (BAG) ran a rigorous Expression of Interest process seeking submissions from artists, makers and creatives from the Northern Rivers region for three artistic elements as part of the Lismore Laneways Project. Indigenous creatives were strongly encouraged to apply. A selection panel consisting of Northern Rivers arts and cultural sector professionals assessed the submissions to determine successful artists. Following this the finalists further developed their concepts to final designs in line with the chosen sites 

 The successful artworks are as follows:

Area 1 – The Gateway (Carrington Street)




Artists: Holly Ahern and Eden Crawford-Harriman.  

Holly and Eden are a collaborative duo that live and work out of their home in Lismore Heights. Having recently completed a collaborative Honours degree in Contemporary Digital Art at Southern Cross University, their shared creative practice investigates digital works and structural environment as sites for immersive installation.

The artwork:

This playful piece builds on the strong connection to Lismore of the ‘Come to the Heart’ messaging.  Inspired by the slogan used throughout Lismore and the greater region, their artwork is a large, sensor-operated LED installation to signify the reinvigoration of the Lismore Laneways as the beating heart of our community. This will be depicted by two long hands embracing a pulsating heart, making clear reference to Lismore’s slogan Come to the Heart, with text that reads “YOU ARE HERE” in the centre in LED neon with vibrant pink arms.

Details:

  • Materials – 3D printed in ABS (a thermoplastic polymer), coated in an acrylic finish and anti-graffiti coating, with an internal steel structure. Neon Lighting on heart.
  • Size: 3m x 2.5m


Area 2 – Eggins Lane


Artist: Andrew Cullen

Andrew is a Northern Rivers based Artist. From his first group exhibition in London in 1997 Andrew Cullen has had the opportunity to travel widely and exhibit paintings and sculptures in numerous countries. Andrew predominantly sculpts in metals and timber. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including; the 2015 Sculptor’s Society Tony Palmer Award, Swell Sculpture Festival ‘People’s Choice’ in 2016 and overall winner (2018) in collaboration with Dion Parker. This winning entry ‘Prickles’ was made at the SOFA gallery and workshop where Andrew was co-founder and Director. Recently Andrew has created and sold ‘The Host’ (a 5m tall pallet timber rat) and two large timber works, Diligent and El Toro, to private clients in Brisbane, Murwillumbah and the Gold Coast.

The artwork:

Along the walls of Eggins Lane will feature a series of 3D cute and friendly marsupials, antechinuses, which are native to the Lismore district and in need of our understanding and protection. As people approach the lane they will see a few of the baby Antechinus family scurrying in the same direction. These smaller sculptures will help establish the journey start before people begin to engage with the amazing street art and art rich stores and galleries.

Details:

  • 8 individual antechinus sculptures constructed in galvanised fencing wire in a combination of ties and welds. Each piece will be primed with rust preventing paint and final coated in Lismore Laneways colours.
  • Approx. 1.2m length x 400mm (h)
  • Exact locations to be confirmed with owners and businesses and to compliment existing artworks in the Back Alley Gallery


Area 3 – Eggins Lane/County Lane


Artist: Tania Marlowe

Tania Marlowe is a Bundjalung artist with a passion for the age-old traditional practice of weaving.

 The artwork:

The proposed artwork reflects and acknowledges local Bundjalung culture. The weaving story is a story of reclamation and cultural continuation, bringing customary practice into the modern world. Her designs are innovative and creative and have the potential to be graphically enhanced to be visually appealing and eye-catching artwork for visitors. There is scope to use Bundjalung Language in the design. The artwork design will be developed to compliment the surrounds, by use of colour and expressive print design.

Tania’s artwork will be either acrylic or steel-based plate work (approx. 1.2m x 3.6m) with lighting set behind the artwork, mounted in a suitable location within Eggins Lane.