Warhammer about painting as opposed to painting about Warhammer. Each action undertaken is a move implemented over the playing field that is the painting’s surface to achieve a win condition (a finished painting) against my opponent, the painting itself. Whether that is formal ability or the obstinacy of a chosen material. Inherent to this mode of creation is a questioning around the hyper - / hyper-pathetic/ -masculine personas so readily adopted by individuals within these hobby spaces, my complicit participation within said spaces, what is it to conform to these personas to gain community, and how is it mirrored in participation within the ‘arts’?

BAWA means older sister in the language of my Kamilaroi ancestors. This exhibition and its' prior publication was named so because of the sister figures who have guided, informed, and supported my artistic and cultural practice. This restructured and interactive iteration of BAWA’s spring 2023 publication has boldly outlined the urban lens through which BAWA’s artists navigate their cultural journeys, in tandem with contemporary practices and a fervent requiem of resistance. This strength in moiety is the crux of all contemporary creative and cultural practice, and the palpable magnet between the disconnected and our journey home. We find our way back; we always have.

- Tabitha Glanville

Rainbow Dissection explores the intersection of queer identity, futurism, and the symbolism of the rainbow, using vibrant imagery to examine visibility, resilience, and community. Through a series of three large-scale banners categorised into sex and gender, sexualities, and community and futurism - Nicky's banners reimagine queer symbols as evolving narratives of pride and possibility. These works draw upon the rich history of protest banners and pride flags, celebrating their role in shaping queer visibility while questioning how they might evolve to represent future aspirations.

A key part of the process involved categorising and sorting existing pride flags, using their established colours as a foundation for each banner. By drawing directly from these visual languages, these works explore how the colours that have historically signified diverse queer identities can be re-contextualised into new, expansive forms. The banners layer and remix these hues, creating dynamic compositions that reflect both individual and collective experiences within the queer community.

The banners serve as both a reflection of lived experiences and an exploration of the complexities of queer identity in a world still structured by rigid binaries. Each banner purposely uses bold colour, dynamic composition, and layered textures to evoke the vibrancy, joy, and defiance of queer existence.

By reframing and expanding on the traditional iconography of queer activism, these works envision a future where queerness is not just seen but integral - a force that actively shapes culture, community, and the way we imagine our collective future. Through this series, Nicky invites viewers to consider how symbols of queerness can continue to evolve, fostering new conversations about identity, representation, and belonging in an ever-changing world.

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