On March 21st, Wester Gallery proudly launched Season IV in our new space at 39 Bolton St, Newcastle, with an electrifying solo debut by Paula Thistleton. A local emerging artist with a studio in Tighes Hill, Thistleton’s bold and expressive works brought energy and intrigue to the gallery, setting the tone for an exciting new chapter in our program.

A Wiradjuri artist living on Awabakal land, Thistleton’s practice is rooted in painting, text, collage, and found objects, blending these elements to explore themes of displacement, observation, and contemporary human behavior. Having exhibited in group shows in Newcastle and Sydney, and most recently at .M Contemporary Gallery in Darlinghurst as part of their 2024 Emerging Artists Exhibition, this show marks a significant milestone in her career.

A Window Into Transitory Moments

Thistleton’s work stems from an everyday act—her weekday commute from Sydney’s Inner West to the National Art School in Darlinghurst in 2022/23. Inspired by fleeting encounters on public transport, she developed quick sketches that evolved into layered paintings capturing the disconnection and escapism of modern life.

Her subjects, absorbed in their iPhones, appear detached and adrift, their presence temporary, almost weightless. Figures are dropped into the canvas without grounding or belonging, frozen in moments between destinations. The use of cartoon-like figuration, bold color palettes, and stark negative space reinforces the surreal nature of time stretching and shifting—a reflection of the way technology alters our perception of reality.

Hidden within some works are ‘easter eggs’—small, cryptic details that hint at what these commuters might be thinking or experiencing, an invitation for the viewer to engage in the same observational game the artist plays while people-watching.

An Opening to Remember

The launch of Season IV was a celebration of community, creativity, and connection. Guests gathered to take in Thistleton’s vibrant yet introspective paintings, exchanging thoughts on the way her work transforms everyday interactions into profound visual narratives. The evening was elevated by exceptional catering from Sea Salt and Sage, and beers provided by Young Henrys, creating a relaxed yet dynamic atmosphere.

Paula Thistleton’s first solo exhibition at Wester Gallery is a powerful statement on contemporary life, digital distraction, and the search for meaning in transient moments. We are honored to have kicked off Season IV with such a compelling and thought-provoking show.

For those who missed the opening, the exhibition remains on view at 39 Bolton St, Newcastle—a must-see for lovers of bold, expressive painting and sharp social observation.