MEDIA RELEASE
Acclaimed poet turns to the traditional art of woodcut prints to spar with international politics in the present world
present world
Bornean-Australian poet Omar Musa is no stranger to pushing boundaries. An international presence known for his unique voice in poetry, and the author of several novels and numerous hip-hop records to his name, Omar drifts across disciplines to explore themes of migration, Australian racism and identity.
In his new solo exhibition at Megalo Print Studio, Musa again pushes the traditional techniques of lithography and woodcut, this time turning his eye on the present-day arenas of international politics. Fusing art, poetry and a dark humour, the exhibition showcases Musa’s distinctive style, bringing together crocodiles, boxers, South-East Asian death masks and a blindfolded Mother Mary.
Taken from boxing lingo, the exhibition title ‘The Hurt Business’ here refers to the violence and competing forces commonplace in our news cycles and social media feeds, from the genocide in Gaza, the invasion of Venezuela, death squads in the Philippines’ War on Drugs to ICE raids of families and children in the US.
Opening Friday 20 February at 5:30pm with a live performance by Omar Musa in the intimate setting of the Megalo gallery, the show asks us to reflect on a world in flames and asks ‘Who says stop?’
About the artist
Omar Musa (b. 1984) is a Bornean-Australian author, visual artist and poet from Queanbeyan, Australia. He has released four poetry books (including Killernova), five hip-hop records (including The Fullness), and received a standing ovation at TEDx Sydney at the Sydney Opera House.
His debut novel Here Come the Dogs was long-listed for the International Dublin Literary Award and Miles Franklin Award and he was named one of the Sydney Morning Herald’s Young Novelists of the Year in 2015. He has had several solo exhibitions, including All My Memories Are Mistranslations in 2024.
Exhibition: The Hurt Business
Dates: 21 February – 4 April
Opening event: Friday 20 February 5:30 – 7:30pm
Venue: Megalo Print Studio, 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston 2604, Canberra
More info: www.megalo.org
“Megalo has a long tradition of political activism, and I’m thrilled to welcome Omar Musa to Megalo Print Studio to host his new exhibition, ‘The Hurt Business’ that reflects on events in the world today. Musa is one of Australia’s most exciting artists, bringing his one-of-a-kind voice to everything he does. This exhibition is a great opportunity for local audiences to experience the work of this multi-talented artist.”
Clare Jackson, Artistic Director
Media contact:
Francis Kenna, General Manager
p: (02) 6232 6041 // 0423 336 098
