BLAZE 2025

Sophia Childs, Sophie Dumaresq, Gabrielle Hall-Lomax, Emeirely Nucifora-Ryan, Brennan O'Brien, Jessika Spencer 

Curated by Alexander Boynes and Benjamin Shingles

8 February – 17 April 2025
Exhibition Opening: Friday 7 February 2025, 6pm

Canberra Contemporary’s eagerly awaited emerging artist showcase, BLAZE, returns in February 2025, to present the dynamic and diverse voices of Kamberri/Canberra’s rising creative talents. Featuring six exciting artists at the beginning of their careers, BLAZE offers an insight into the evolving art scene of the region and exhibits bold, thought-provoking works across installation, painting, photography and sculpture.

Curated by Alexander Boynes, Curator and Program Manager, Canberra Contemporary and Benjamin Shingles, Assistant Curator of the ANU Art Collection, Drill Hall Gallery, BLAZE 2025 promises a fresh and captivating perspective on the creative discourse in Kamberri/Canberra from the artists shaping the future of contemporary art.

The works of Sophia Childs, Sophie Dumaresq, Gabrielle Hall-Lomax, Emeirely Nucifora-Ryan, Brennan O'Brien and Jessika Spencer collectively delve into issues of cultural heritage, identity, societal norms and underrepresented experiences. Their works offer a cohesive and poignant reflection of societal disruption, isolation and the transformative energy of self-expression.

Through these works, the artists channel their creative energy to confront challenges with urgency and vision, while creating powerful connections within the gallery.

BLAZE 2025 celebrates the strength and diversity of Kamberri/Canberra’s upcoming generation of artists and provides a platform for their potential to unfold and a space for meaningful community engagement. 

Image: Gabrielle Hall-Lomax, Ring 2025, medium format film, scanned and printed on archival cotton rag, 40 x 60 cm