On Tuesday 14 May Concordia Gallery opened its doors presenting Tim Kyle, a star in the Australian sculpture world. Winner of the  2003 Wynne Prize his large seated and standing men are well known to Sculpture by the Sea attendees.

The mood of the opening night could not have been more exciting and compelling. In the tiny room where Tim’s 10 or so recent sculptures were being exhibited art connoisseurs, up-and-coming artists (including students) and even curious staff members filled the gallery, thrilled to be viewing some of the most appreciated art of the current times (and to sample the fine cheese platters!).

With the help of a few IB Diploma boys, the exhibition was curated by Ms Hannah Chapman, whom we are very lucky to have as a new staff member this year. Newington is also very lucky that Evan Hughes, Tim Kyle’s manager, encouraged Tim to exhibit at our own gallery. To sum up his artwork, Tim states, “The human condition is what concerns me most: response to the inane but trying to remain humane, when people say ‘No’, but you want to hear ‘Yes’, underdogs who fail again and again, war and pieces of peace.” Highlights of Tim’s works include Deep Sea Putt, Black and Blue, and the colloquially infamous Weeing Man.

One unusual piece exhibited was a rather large sculpture resting outside the entrance to the gallery, a large man with outstretched hands. This sculpture in fact was made, with the help of Tim, by a group of aspiring Year 9 artists. “We added layers to build up the tone… Tim likes sticking to grey tones because he used to animate and enjoyed the initial stage, pre colour,” Max Bollington (9/MA), a student in Year 9, recalls. “When we first started working on the sculpture, it seemed very difficult,” said Brad Amituanai (9/JN), “but then [Tim] gave us tips and different ways of approaching sculpting to make it ultimately look like a work of art…overall a magnificent experience.” Another Year 9 class completed an incredible panorama of drawings stencilled onto the walls of the gallery; this added a vibrant flavour to the exhibition.

Tim Kyle’s exhibition also recently acted as a stimulus for a Year 8 English creative writing class. Extra educational benefits like this make the Concordia Gallery such an exciting and valuable tool for inspiring Newington boys.

I have seriously enjoyed being exposed to some great art work, and have been even more thrilled to have the opportunity to meet and interview Tim and find out about his artistic journey and processes. The exhibition finishes on Tuesday 4th June. Be sure to make the time to see it, so you don’t miss out!

John Keene (11/JN)