Impactful art

By BIANCA LICINA

Artist, gallerist, project curator, and consultant, Michael Eather wears many hats. Born and educated in Tasmania, Michael, who owns one of Brisbane’s beloved contemporary art galleries has always had a passion for art. While studying a Fine Arts degree at university, Michael fell in love with multidisciplinary art and the capacity for adventure as an artist.

Fireworks Gallery emerged organically as a commercial gallery in 1993 following Campfire Group Projects, a project cofounded by Michael that worked to promote collaboration and cross-cultural initiatives. Tucked away in the industrial corner of Bowen Hills, Fireworks Gallery features roughly 30 artists, with a blend of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous works.

“The ongoing curatorial theme underpinning the gallery’s exhibition program…remains the desire to present artworks by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists alongside each other,” he explains.

Art is sourced from across the country from professional and emerging independent artists, selected communities, and art centres. When asked what sets his gallery apart from the others, he reckons it’s all down to ‘the vibe’.

“Our gallery is kind of a blend of a warehouse studio, a large lounge room, and a kitchen table, with a drawing room where artworks drift in and present themselves mysteriously to the passing crowds. Sure, we have openings and events, but the day-to-day of our gallery operations is where the magic is; people and art randomly collide and collude.”

Michael’s journey as an artist has morphed over the years. In 2019, he opened up his own art studio, Ghost Ship Studio, in Newstead, where he features his own sculptures, paintings, and artist collaborations. “I consider all the industry and gallery work I do as simply different forms of my art practice,” he says.

Michael says his art journey was largely inspired by his time travelling by road and foot to the Northern Territory and living in the Maningrida community. Having been immersed heavily in the culture, Michael’s interest in crosscultural themes and collaboration was born. It was this experience that drew him to settle in Brisbane.

“Brisbane eventually became a great base, halfway between north and south. It’s now home,” he says.

When asked why he thinks it is important to promote Indigenous artwork, he explains that it’s for the sustainability and celebration of art in all aspects of our shared society. It also reflects an alternative view on art, that being that it is a crucial pillar of society – a perspective often overlooked in Western culture. “Having a commercial gallery that showcases some of these elements and values…is a joy and a privilege.”

30 years on, Michael’s youthful passion and desire for cultural immersion have sustained.

@FIREWORKSGALLERYBNE