The Raglan Gallery is captivating art enthusiasts with renowned Ngarigo country (Numeralla, Cooma) based artist Benni Phillips Nozdrachev’s latest exhibition, “Asteroid Farm”, running until March 2nd. Known for his intriguing use of recycled materials, Phillips Nozdrachev impresses with works that embody a unique blend of intricacy and rustic charm.
PHOTO: Benni Phillips Nozdrachev’s latest exhibition, “Asteroid Farm”.
Wendy McDougall, a board member at the gallery and local artist herself, praises Benni’s distinctive style, describing him as a person who “sees the world in a unique way,” who shies away from the spotlight but captivates audiences with thought-provoking art. “Almost every bit of the Asteroid display is made from salvaged parts of his old artworks,” McDougall notes, highlighting how the artist repurposes fragments of time into new narratives.
“We have realised we have to use and promote his work otherwise, we don’t know how far it could go. He just plods along, he’ll be one of these characters that, you go, I’ve got to buy his art, and you probably can’t afford it later down the line.”
“Take the time to look at his work from every angle you can and find your own story and meaning about this intriguing piece. No one will ever truly understand an artists reason and purpose of a work, the joy of art is finding your own from how you feel about it. What itch does it scratch.”
PHOTO: Raglan Gallery board member Wendy McDougall.
Benni Phillips Nozdrachev is a self-taught artist who has honed his skills across Europe and is based in based in Helsinki, Finland. His work encourages viewers to explore meaning through personal interpretation, perhaps prompting questions about sustainability and the essence of value.
PHOTO: Thought provoking angles in the “Asteroid Farm”.
The display which was created on-site, intrigues the gazing eye, and shows the careful observer a hidden lens of inspiration. A secret message perhaps, of being ‘ok’ with the imperfect nature of things if they serve a purpose. The display for some, may raise questions of how far we have drifted as a society from the essence of what we truly need.
In addition to “Asteroid Farm”, the gallery also features Benni’s “Heads and Tails – Part 2”, a painting installation created as a follow on from last year’s Part 1. According to Wendy McDougall, this may be the last opportunity to witness these installations before they disappear, unless they find a home in a private collection, they are of course likely to be recycled.
PHOTO: “Heads and Tails – Part 2”.
Phillips Nozdrachev’s art invites reflection on humanity’s progress and consumption, offering a rare window into different perceptions of everyday life. Visitors are encouraged to take their time when exploring these detailed creations, each telling its own story.