Spectacle / Obstacle

Overview

Sydney doesn't lack spectacle. Whether it's the brash fireworks of summer, growling football stadia or just the blue novelty of the harbour itself, spectacle is ground into the city's fabric. Guest curated by Superkaleidoscope, Firstdraft's new show, Spectacle / Obstacle critiques the fabulous displays, cosmic excess and ordinary indulgences meant to distract you from the every-day with the over-awing.

Artists on show include the geometrically minded Justin Balmain, who in his previous work for Superkaleidoscope, A Room for Emma Goldman, [warning: rude words] warned us not to confuse the image with the idea, unwrapping the less violent political tides of Anarchist Emma Goldman from the pipe-bomb-throwing men who got all the press. Internationally exhibited Perth artist Rebecca Bauman makes art that implies rich worlds behind thin curtains of streamers and tinsel, while Michaela Gleave is just back from a residency setting fire to wheelbarrows in Iceland. She'll be exhibited alongside a woman more usually associated with mechanical pyrotechnics, Sydney Dorkbot Overlord Pia Van Gelder, along with Spanish artist Greta Alfaro, who recently got some notice for her video installation of vultures at supper.

Firstdraft is open Wednesday - Sunday. Still from In Ictu Oculi by Greta Alfaro