Higher Ground studios has been around since 2010, and we’ve covered them, and the artists that make their home there, a hell of a lot over that period. Coming up at Kind Of Gallery, this group show, with all of the artists putting forth examples of their work, is nothing short of awesome. Beastman, Bennett, Ears, Mark Alsweiler, Max Berry, Neil Tomkins, Numskull, Phibs, Thomas Jackson and Tom Ferson – need we say more?

“Art is a process that is most powerful when it’s in co-operation with other artists. Nurturing, support and critical feedback is essential not only on an individual level, but in the formation and evolution of any art movement.

My association with the movement that Sydney has experienced in the last 10 years began with a series of conversations between Numskull, Beastman and myself in around 2005. It was apparent then that there was clearly something missing in Sydney art, and that thing was direction and community for a group of passionate artists involved in an exploding new form of urban expression. Working together on varied and exciting projects, we came together as like-minds, whose practices whilst varied, shared the same ultimate goal: the formation of an art community.

Higher Ground is in many ways the culmination of those conversations we had in 2005 about what was lacking in Sydney and where someday things could end up. Having worked with all of the artists in the studio in some way or another, I have experienced the vibrancy, relevance and ongoing contribution they are making to the Australian and international scene. Since its inception in 2010, this group of mostly self-taught artists, at different ages and in different stages of their careers, have established a new platform for the continuation of their individual and collective artistic beliefs.

In a world of social, political and creative chaos, it’s difficult to find a place to come up for air – luckily these artists have collaboratively found their own Higher Ground.

– Ben Frost”

That about tells it all, nice piece there from Frost. It speaks volumes of what the show will consist of. Also, not only will there be a mad lot of art up on the walls, but a limited edition book will also be released on the night –

“On the occasion of the exhibition, Higher Ground Studio will be releasing a limited edition book. Featuring photographs by Tony Kenny and the artists themselves, this self-published 84 page book is a detailed pictorial documentation of life in the studio, the artist’s varied processes and the different workspaces within the studio. The edition of 100 perfect bound books will be hand signed and numbered by all the artists in the studio.”

If that doesn’t cinch all reasons for heading to this one, I don’t know what else will – such an amazing array of artists under the one roof – we really wish we could make it to this one. Lucky bastards this week, Sydney crew.

Who: Beastman, Bennett, Ears, Mark Alsweiler, Max Berry, Neil Tomkins, Numskull, Phibs, Thomas Jackson, Tom Ferson
What: Higher Ground Studio group show
Where: Kind Of Gallery, 80 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, Sydney
When: Show opens Thursday 29th November from 6pm til 9pm and runs til 2nd December

Check out the Higher Ground website as well as the Facebook event page for more info on the show.