Christopher Inwood - Exhibition 2016
/"Jugglers Art Space Experience - "Voyeur" Exhibition (2016) - Christopher R. Inwood
In 2016, I had the opportunity to exhibit my second solo show, "Voyeur," at Jugglers Art Space in Brisbane. At the time, I was 25 years old and deeply immersed in developing my own artistic style. It was a period of exploration for me, both as an autodidactic artist and as a person trying to navigate the complexities of the art world. Jugglers, under the direction of Peter Breen, gave me a chance to experiment in a way that not many other spaces were willing to. like drilling straight into the ceiling to hang two projectors without permission. I owe a great deal to Jugglers for supporting me during that pivotal time in my creative journey.
"Voyeur" was an ambitious project for me—it consisted of 16 portraits, 2 projected digital videos, and 1 audio recording, all focused on exploring the relationship between the artist and the subject through the lens of voyeurism and digital realism. I spent months preparing for the exhibition and had a dedicated team of five people helping me install the work. The opening night was packed, with people crammed shoulder to shoulder in the small upstairs room of Jugglers. The atmosphere was sweltering but electrifying, with the space buzzing with energy and curiosity.
Peter Breen's quiet but constant support was invaluable to me. I distinctly remember how, after my artist talk one afternoon, he and I had a group discussion about the exhibition’s themes. His feedback, along with that of others, helped me refine my approach to future exhibitions. While I didn’t sell any artwork during "Voyeur," I consider it a success because it set the stage for my next solo exhibition at Brisbane Square Library. Jugglers gave me a platform to showcase my vision and, more importantly, a space to fail, learn, and grow as an artist.
Over time, Jugglers became more than just a gallery for me—it was a place where I formed connections with other creatives like Peter, Evan Hollis and many others. I continued attending shows and events at Jugglers, watching the space evolve and change over the years, seeing the next crop of artists wander in.
In retrospect, I feel somewhat disconnected from the larger impact Jugglers had on the Brisbane art scene, but I know it did a lot for emerging artists like myself. It was a space where creativity could thrive, a hub for experimentation and innovation, particularly for those just starting out. While I might not have fully grasped its broader cultural influence, Jugglers provided me with something even more personal—a place to express myself and to learn what it means to be an artist.
Now that Jugglers has closed, it feels tucked away in my past, where all my hope and joy live.Where my artistic career began to take shape. Though it's no longer part of my present, its influence still lingers in my work and my memories."
Kind regards
Christopher R. Inwood
