Launching on 21 May 2021, Aster + Asha Gallery is an online contemporary art platform dedicated to bringing a curated selection of collectable art to a national audience. Featuring emerging artists from across Australia, it has a strong focus on presenting artists that reflect the multiplicity of voices and backgrounds in the Australian community.
The gallery is founded by Bayoush Demissie, who has worked in the Australian contemporary arts industry for over a decade with experience in senior roles in commercial galleries throughout Australia, most recently at Jan Murphy Gallery in Brisbane, as well as in public institutions such as the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA). She brings her bold vision, knowledge and unique perspective when selecting artists for Aster + Asha Gallery.
After noting a need for more accessibility in the art market, the gallery concept was born. It is focussed on providing an easy-to-use online art platform for both new and established art collectors. Operating from Brisbane, the gallery’s name takes inspiration from Bayoush’s family heritage. Aster is an Ethiopian name meaning star and Asha is an Indian name referring to hope and life.
“Each of the gallery’s artists create works that are meaningful, often beautiful, sometimes provocative, but that always bring a distinct view on our shared human experience,” Bayoush Demissie said. The gallery’s represented artists work across varied mediums including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and print, using both traditional and cutting-edge materials and techniques.
To celebrate its launch the gallery will present a pop-up exhibition in Brisbane from May 22 to May 23 2021. Titled Inner Worlds, the exhibition will feature Carla Adams (WA), Kevin Diallo (NSW) and Hal Witney (NSW), who each navigate the theme of self-reflection in distinctive ways. The exhibition will be presented at ILEANA Contemporary Art located in New Farm.
Readers also enjoyed our story about Wear Your Uggs Day
