Colour is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. It defines how we perceive and interact with the world around us. Celebrating the interaction of light and form can provoke significant effects on understanding and emotion.

Nina Cueva with Chick Butcher

An element with a rich history, this exhibition explores the power of colour to communicate feelings, ideas and evoke visceral responses. Colour brings together a collection of celebrated contemporary artists from a range of artistic backgrounds; Phil Spelman, Scott Chaseling, Mikey Freedom, Matt Heaney, Chick Butcher, Cesar Cueva and Cobi Cockburn. Through explorations in composition and object-making, these artists investigate the way humans experience and interact with colour, space and light, using these elements in their practice to connect with the everyday and human emotion. 

The SevenMarks Gallery is set to mark its first anniversary with the unveiling of a captivating exhibition titled "COLOUR & SPACE," running from November 18 to January 27, 2024. This immersive showcase delves into the profound role of colour and space in shaping our understanding of the world and its impact on human emotions.

Colour, as a fundamental aspect of the human experience, plays a pivotal role in defining our perception and interaction with the surroundings. The exhibition aims to celebrate the dynamic interplay of light and form, showcasing how this interaction can provoke significant effects on our understanding and emotional responses.

Mikey Freedom in front of his oil on canvas - A Table Set Before Me

Featuring a curated collection of works by acclaimed, local contemporary artists, "COLOUR & SPACE" brings together the creative expressions of Phil Spelman, Scott Chaseling, Mikey Freedom, Matt Heaney, Chick Butcher, Cesar Cueva, and Cobi Cockburn. Hailing from diverse artistic backgrounds, these artists explore the power of colour to communicate feelings, ideas, and evoke visceral responses.

The exhibition invites viewers to embark on a journey through the rich history of colour, examining its capacity to connect with the everyday and elicit profound emotional reactions. Through innovative explorations in composition and object-making, the artists delve into the ways humans experience and interact with colour, space, and light in their daily lives.

The 7 Marks Gallery, is a collaboration founded by Nina and Cesar Cueva along with Chick Butcher and Cobi Cockburn on their property and has become a vibrant hub for artistic expression in its first year. The Cueva’s also run Courtesy of the Artist in the Strand arcade, Sydney also where their hallmark jewellery is crafted. Cesar Cueva, renowned as a studio photographer and jewellery maker, brings his unique perspective to the exhibition. Recent exhibitions at the gallery showcased tattoo art and jewellery, demonstrating the versatile artistic range locally.

The premises, built by Chick and Cobi combine home, studio and exhibition space and have undergone a transformative process over 12 years. Notable features include a lap pool ingeniously crafted from repurposed shipping containers, free-range chickens, and landscaped garden spaces. 

The entire gallery project has been orchestrated on their own terms, involving collaborations with artists whose homes resemble museums, filled to the brim with an impressive array of artistic works. Local artists are encouraged to exhibit overseas also. The inaugural year presented a challenging learning curve, as the intricate details of managing such a unique space unfolded.

Matthew Heaney, Cesar Cueva and Mikey Freedom

Dealing with artists, known for their distinctive needs and preferences, proved to be a demanding yet rewarding experience. Chick says, “artists are a needy bunch”. Despite the challenges, a strong sense of camaraderie prevails among the individuals involved. The collaborative effort has fostered a community where everyone genuinely cares for each other, contributing to the overall success of this extraordinary venture.

The "COLOUR & SPACE" exhibition not only marks a significant milestone in the gallery's first-year journey but also serves as a testament to its commitment to presenting thought-provoking and visually stunning art to the community. They hope the audience that enjoyed the last tattoo exhibition LINK may return to try something different – encouraging people to explore different options. The gallery's founders, along with exhibiting artists, invite art enthusiasts and the public alike to join in the celebration of this exploration into the intricate relationship between colour, space, and human experience.