Solo show in New York another step in a growing international career
Terrence Allen's career is a remarkable one and it's only heading upwards. The Tamworth-based artist from north-western NSW is right now preparing for his first solo exhibition in New York next August. He is also part of a current exhibition in Paris at Gallery Figure.
Terrence Allen is from the Kamilaroi People and he has been creating art for 11 years. His art is so exceptionally regarded that his career is receiving the backing of the both the NSW and federal governments. Austrade has included Allen in its new exporter program while the NSW Department of State and Regional Development has helped provide contacts and opportunities to exhibit in several international forums.
Allen was one of the artists featured in Australia Week in Canada last year. In 2005 he was awarded fourth prize at the Florence Biennale. He has exhibited at Toronto, Valencia in Spain, Beijing and the Broadway Art Gallery in Manhattan, which will be the location for his solo show next August.
Cherene Spendelove from Arts North West says Allen was guest speaker at a recent forum in Moree which looked at the contribution that the arts industries make to the region's broader cultural and economic strength. The forum was one of several being organised by the Arts North West Regional Arts Board and allowed Allen to outline the value of networking and marketing in establishing an international career.
"By sharing his story, Allen provided other regional artists with a model of what is possible," says Spendelove.
"The down-to-earth North West local continues to live, work and study in the Kamilaroi region. His work is influenced by both urban and rural life around his home and though modern in style is conceptually spiritual and traditional," she says.
"In a move that not only promotes his art but also helps generate income, Allen has used images from his original paintings to create a line of marketable products including textiles, calendars and canvas prints," Spendelove says.
Terrence Allen exhibits with Gamilarart Gallery Cooperative in Tamworth www.gamilarart.com.au
