The works in this exhibition encourage us to reconsider our relationship to space, perception, and the interplay between the tangible and the intangible. Through their vastly different mediums, both Jeff Lowe and Brendan Neiland use imagery and object to imply active barriers, surfaces, and ambiguous spaces that lead us to explore openings or thresholds to other hypothetical or abstract realities.   

Brendan Neiland's evocative paintings serve as windows into the multifaceted landscapes of urban existence. Through his masterful depiction of reflective surfaces, abstracted marketing campaigns and city lights, Neiland invites viewers to ponder the metaphorical mirrors that cities provide, reflecting both the physical environment and the deeper layers of human experience. Neiland finds inspiration in the vibrant pulse of city dwelling, expressing a sense of belonging to a larger, dynamic environment. He captures the sensory overload of urban environments where sights, sounds and colours blur together in a kaleidoscope of stimuli. For Neiland, each painting is a journey of discovery, leading to new revelations and insights. He invites viewers to transcend the surface-level impressions of city life and delve deeper into the rich tapestry of human existence.   

Jeff Lowe's sculptures serve as a compelling exploration of active barriers, challenging perceptions of what lies within and outside and interrogating the very "skin" that delineates these realms. Employing colour as a symbolic code, Lowe's sculptures prompt viewers to question the boundaries between internal and external spaces and provide audiences with a captivating exploration of ambiguity and depth. While each of Lowe's sculptures appear as a singular object, the experience of engaging with them is dynamic and fluid. They possess the ability to draw spectators in while simultaneously pushing them away. Particularly in his larger works, there is a palpable sense of encountering art and its rules—like the prohibition against touching—while also reconnecting with a childlike urge to engage physically and imaginatively with the artwork. As audiences interact with the curvilinear forms, they navigate through portals, both literal cut-outs and metaphorical openings to new perspectives.  

The AGBI and Portals  

Brendan Neiland is a member of the AGBI Artists Council and, just as his paintings draw the viewer in to ask what exists beyond the surface, he takes a similar approach when discussing applications we receive from artists in need. Neiland approaches the complexities of our applicants lives with great care, curiosity and understanding. Neiland and our other members of the Artists Council, recognise that beneath the surface of each application, someone is navigating a complex web of portals that connect them to their past and a new experience of what they imagined life would be like in their present or for their future.  

The delicate balance between inner and outer worlds can become tenuous for artists who experience health challenges and life can become overwhelming. At the AGBI, we aim to get artists back in their studio, to shoulder some of the financial burdens that can accompany health challenges, and to exist as a community that can support artists through their recovery.