Asher Milgate | Artist 

Exhibiting artist at 'Things I Wanted To Say But Never Did' | Group Exhibition. 

Opens to the public 4th September 2019, 6pm - 8pm.  

Tell us about yourself.

Everyone has such an interesting story to tell. I like to talk to people. I like to research historical documents to gain a written perspective and link the personal accounts. Perspective is critical to my practice.

When I’m shooting most of the time I search for the visual delight. Wait for it to touch my inside and then fire the shutter. Connecting with and feeling the environment and the people I photograph. That for me is like ecstasy. I process my images over and over until the right process appears. It’s important for me to spend time with work to feel where it needs to go.

What can the audience expect of your response to the theme?

I’ve responded to the theme TIWTSBN by reusing a leftover image from my first solo exhibition in 2007 as a symbol of reflection. “Rainbow Waterbed”  was taken at the Civic Park fountain in Newcastle. My parents had their wedding photos taken there. In my mind I wanted to represent them in some way. Their marriage didn’t last. I was 17 when they split. I have recently begun a process of overcoming depression. On reflection my father was depressed my entire childhood. I’ve come to realize that his mental health has had an impact on my development and what I perceived to be normal. Verbal communication is not a strong suit amongst the men in my family. Each pen stroke represents all the times I’ve wanted to ask the question.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Convoluted. Visual. Empath.  

 If you could say 1 thing to an ex lover, what would you say?

You’ve done me a favour.

ARTIST BIO: Asher Milgate (Wellington, now based in Sydney) works predominantly with photography, sound and video. Much of his work has focused on the documentation of regional landscape and communities exploring Australian culture and Australian identity. 

Milgate has been exhibiting regularly over the last decade, having solo and group exhibitions in regional NSW and Sydney. Asher has been a finalist in the Sydney Art and About, International Photography Awards (IPA), Black & White Spider Awards and Incinerator Award for his video works. He has also been published in The Guardian, The Big Issue, IMbd, SBS, NITV, ABC’s Awaye. His work is held in private collections all over the world. 

Follow Asher on Instagram here: @ashermilgate 

Website: www.survivors.net.au

https://contactsheet.com.au/blogs/exhibitions/things-i-wanted-to-say-but-never-did-exhibition