A happening more than an exhibition NO WIN SITCH is an independently funded exhibition project by artist Anthony Lister - Brisbane by made good on the world stage now living and working in NYC.

The idea behind this exhibition is to showcase his newest works based on the theme of media saturation within Australian culture and the effects it has on the community. Far from the traditional gallery setting - this installation challenges stereotypes in an exciting and new way. 

The show is open to the public for ONE NIGHT ONLY.

This is an exclusive interview with Anthony Lister on the verge of this exciting show.  Enjoy.

How would you describe your passion for painting?  Do  you think painting has made a resurgence?

Painting is constant. The energy that propels me to create works with wet mediums is the same as the energy I use to watch TV or take a shower. Sometimes it’s exciting and new, other times it is trying and difficult.

 

Where do you think that pop-art is at?  Or should I say post-pop?

We know so much these days that at times it’s crippling. Especially for a creative that is trying to do something -dare I say- original. With so much knowledge of the state of the world, popular culture and the cannon of art history I feel like we are better informed than ever and therefore able to provide insightful and educated critiques. In short- we’re in a good place.

 

What do you think is the most important thing that drives the best artists today?

To be better than their last body of work.

 

Who are your favourite artists making waves today?

Ben Frost, Bast, Barry McGee, Judith Supine, Faile, Banksy, The Chapman Brothers, Josh Keyes, Kill Pixie- just to name a few.

 

How has your working life transformed since relocating to the States?

Pretty much the same way it has progressed my entire life- steadily and positively. New York has been somewhere I have wanted to live for as long as I can remember, or at least since I saw Ghostbusters in the 80’s. To be living and working in New York is a real buzz and a big tick on my list of dreams for sure.

 

What's an ideal day in Brooklyn consist of?

Waking up around 10, get a coffee, make some calls, meet some friends, get lunch, email or paint or at least do something so I don’t feel like a slacker, go for a roll, get a beer, meet more friends, go to a bar, eat pizza, get drunk, stumble home, pass out watching unsolved mysteries.

 

This new show is about media impact within the Australian landscape. Yes?  How do you think our world compares to that in the States?  What are your main concerns when it comes to media saturation?

In context to what I know having grown up in Australia as a young man- Australia is pretty comparable to America. The main difference is that Australia is so young in its approach to social awareness of its underprivileged and especially of its understanding and acceptance of youth culture. This show is about the lack of creative and positive roll models in Australian media. It is about boys growing into men without being taught by men who haven’t been taught what it is to be a man. The power of the media is constantly abused and is often the venom that peppers blank minds to have opinions that are based on fictional facts. Imagine me standing in a room holding a mirror outwards- this is what the show is about.  

What are you proud about with this new collection of work?

That I have built something that feels new and exciting.  

What did you listen to while you were making this work?

The voices in my head singing ‘across 110th street’.

 

What are some of your favourite things in your studio at the moment?

The heater, the music box, a few paintings and a rat in a glass jar.

 


No Win Sitch: Anthony Lister
Kings Cross Sydney
One Night Only, 17 July 2009.