Stoking The Fire

For his first solo exhibition, Hot Hot Hot at NAP Contemporary, Mildura, Mullaly explores his long-held interest in film stills and the documentation of action. “The exhibition is based on the idea that any moment can be frozen to reveal a hidden desire, a sense of tension and a picture within a picture,” he says. “To me, this series of work has a quiet- ness, even though the paintings are large and the colours are loud.” Further connecting this link between film and Mullaly’s paintings, NAP Contemporary directors Erica Tarquinio and Riley Davison explain, “Nick’s art is seductive but doesn’t shy away from the bittersweet and the complications of beauty and pain. He is a genuine auteur – a term most often applied to filmmakers, but it seems appropriate for Nick. His works are truly poetic and imbued with hidden narrative.”

Aglow with soft amber tones, Mullaly’s new paintings signify a renewed curiosity in painting the figure and serve as the ignition point for a busy 12 months. Following Hot Hot Hot, in late 2022 Mullaly heads south to New Zealand for Various Saturns, his first international solo exhibition at KAUKAU.

Nick Mullaly’s solo exhibition Hot, Hot, Hot shows with NAP Contemporary, Mildura from 22 July to 2 September.

Upon his return to Australia, Mullaly is set to begin work on Dance Marathon, an additional solo exhibition slated for 2023 at Melbourne’s Neon Parc. Reflecting on the rapid-fire succession of Mullaly’s upcoming solo shows, NAP Contemporary directors Tarquinio and Davison believe he is poised for great things. “After participating in numerous significant group shows, between both underground artist-run spaces and commercial galleries, Nick really jumps out as someone special. He is undeniably one of the most exciting young painters in Australia today.”