Curated by Sandra Di Palma and Jet Geaghan
25 October – 15 November, 2014

Inspired by the Americanised nomer MIAMI, this exhibition utilises the kitsch aesthetics of a popularised locale into a look. MIAMI is concerned with the sheen of Tropicana that seduces and oppresses anyone vulnerable to the salacious lure of a neon bikini. This is an exhibition reeking of nail polish, sea salt and coconut tan oil. Curators Sandra Di Palma and Jet Geaghan ask only of their audience : Where the bloody hell are ya?  The answer irrepressibly resounds: MIAMI.

Jonny Niesche’s practice is concerned with the cultivation and manipulation of aesthetic ‘experiences’. By combining references to Minimalism and Psychedelia, and by using a vocabulary of transparent, reflective and translucent materials such as glitter and resin, Niesche’s work creates mesmerising and immersive experiences for the viewer. Recent exhibitions include: Vegas Can Be, Minerva, Sydney, 2014; Too Many Heroes, Firstdraft Gallery, Sydney, 2011; Cronies, Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney, 2012. Niesche holds a BVA (Hons) and an MVA from Sydney College of the Arts, Sydney. His work is held in a number of public and private collections including: Art Bank, Sydney and Museum of New and Old Art, Hobart, Tasmania. Niesche is represented by Minerva, Sydney.

Extrapolating on ideas of the future of relaxation, ASMRnB is a short video work intended for pleasurably soothing consumption. Taking cues from the vast online community that experiences a phenomena known as Auto Sensory Meridian Response, a physiological response to aural and visual triggers such as scratching, whispering and ambiguous modes of ‘pampering’, the artists recreate particular actions intended to invoke orgasm-like sensations.  Claire Finneran and Alex Kiers are Sydney based artists working across a variety of mediums. They recently collaborated on a large scale installation Comfort Zone at Firsdraft gallery and have a studio residency together in Waverley in 2015. Independently they exhibit widely throughout Sydney and abroad, most recently Kiers showed in New Zealand at Dog Park and Finneran at Next Wave festival in Melbourne.

Michelle James is an emerging artist based in Melbourne. Working with sculpture, painting and video, she produces installation projects informed by her critical and often playful engagement with site and its cultural significance. She is currently completing her Honours degree in Fine Art at Monash University. She has participated in solo and group shows including Coming Soon at West Space, the 2012 Architecture Awards at fortyfivedownstairs, and The Murrumbeena Exchange project facilitated by MADA.