A Thousand Lights From A Hundred Skies

On the last weekend before leaving for Broome, I had the chance to have a sneaky-peek preview of Kyle Hughes-Odgers’ upcoming solo exhibition “A Thousand Lights From A Hundred Skies”. Jinn and I have been closely following Kyle’s work for a number of years – chances you have been too, perhaps without even knowing it! Kyle’s work can be found almost everywhere in Perth, from street murals in Northbridge, Subiaco and Claremont, to a shop wall in Pigeonhole, to a mural at Murdoch University. He has also travelled around the world, painting in such places as New York, Berlin and Cambodia. His stuff is unmistakeably awesome and incredibly distinctive, quirky yet somehow manages to grab your attention, hold it, then twist your heart strings in an inexplicable way – that’s some talent.

Kyle’s last exhibition in Perth was held two years ago. We were a bit lackadaisical about attending and missed the opening night, and by the time we eventually got there we were devastated to find that all the works had been sold! We vowed from then on and henceforth that we would not be such lazy butts when his next collection came around. Jinn had been following the progress and preparation for this upcoming exhibition closely on Twitter and Instagram and we were determined not to miss out this time. I was heartbroken when the opening date was announced – I was going to be in Broome. But unbeknownst to me, Jinn got in contact with the lovely people from Turner Galleries to say that we were interested in purchasing a work, and we were granted an early preview of the works which were actually already hanging in the gallery, ready for exhibiting!

It was seriously my lucky day/dream come true/prayers answered/fairy godmother moment. What an experience to get to see Kyle’s latest collection of works in their entirety, and with a somewhat behind-the-scenes commentary/guided tour with Helen, the lovely Gallery Director who let us in that day. She even showed us some older works of his from previous collections. It totally added yet another dimension and depth to viewing the paintings and an insight into how his style has evolved over the years.

We oohed and aahed and admired the works, and then we ummed and aahed while we vacillated between which one we would choose. And then – we did it! We went with our initial gut instincts and chose “A Future Life”. After the exhibition we’ll get to bring our very first piece of original art home (i.e. not a print!) and find the perfect bit of wall for it where we will undoubtedly continue to enjoy it.

Be sure to check out the exhibition! Kyle Hughes-Odgers is a locally grown talent who is taking on the international stage in a serious way – watch this space and see him explode, I guarantee it.

“A Thousand Lights From a Hundred Skies”
Feb 8 – March 9 2013
Turner Galleries
470 Williams St Northbridge

Kyle Hughes-Odgers / Turner Galleries

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