Reko Rennie, one of Australia’s highly innovative and interrogative contemporary, street artists will exhibit his latest work during this year’s COME OUT Festival in partnership with Tandanya.
A Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay/Gummaroi man, born in Melbourne, Reko Rennie explores what it means to be an urban Aboriginal in contemporary Australian society. His art installations continually explore issues of identity, race, law and justice, land rights, stolen generations and other issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in contemporary society.
“I think it’s important for children and young people to experience contemporary artists such as Reko, who present an important message in a way that’s attractive for young people to identify with,” explains Andy Packer, Creative Director of COME OUT Festival 2011.
“Reko’s use of contemporary mediums and bold colour, shows us that art can be unexpected, popping up on buildings, footpaths as well as galleries.” Mr Packer adds.
This COME OUT exhibition presents Reko’s characteristic vibrant colours, line work and intricate stencil imagery. The artist recreates traditional images in a contemporary context using spray paint and stencils. His work often features the characteristic flora and fauna that represent his community.
Reko has exhibited his work internationally in Paris, the United States and Berlin. He has been the recipient of many major grants and awards such as the 2009 Cite Internationale des Artes, Australia Council Residency, Paris and was the winner of the 2008 Victorian Indigenous Artist Award.
The exhibition will be open to the public from Friday 18th March – Sunday 17th April at Tandanya, with the official opening to be held at Tandanya on Thursday 24th March at 6:30pmin conjunction with two other COME OUT visual art exhibitions, “A Dogs Life: Dion Beasley” and “Inma Boys”, a Carclew Youth Arts APY Lands Project.
Reko has added his signature creativity to one of the pianos in the “Play Me, I’m Yours” project, another highlight of the COME OUT Festival program. The interactive piano artwork installation will be part of Reko’s exhibition from 21st March to 13th April.