CURRENT DIRECTORS
Regula Wettstein-Graf
Regula Wettstein-Graf, Founding and Current Director of White Rhino Artspace, completed a Master of Curating and Cultural Leadership at UNSW Art & Design (2017). Her former qualifications include a Diploma in Education at University of Sydney as well a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Distinction), majoring in Textiles and Painting at UNSW Art and Design in 2015.
As a result of her work for different cultural institutions Regula developed a fascination for the arts and cultural involvement. Her training in education as well as a Master in curating taught her the value of relevance in relation to audience engagement and she believes in immersive artistic experiences.
Regula’s studies at UNSW Art & Design have deepened her understanding and appreciation of contemporary art. Her own artistic practice encompasses sculptural works, paintings and installations employing media such as textiles and found objects.
Regula’s artwork explores the human condition, mind and body. She is particularly interested in the ways people in contemporary society deal with unforeseen as well as planned physical, psychological and emotional challenges as she feels that these are the events that shape our identity.
Wettstein-Graf has exhibited at local and community Art galleries on Sydney’s North Shore as well as The Homeshow at ADSPACE, UNSW Art & Design in 2013. Her work was displayed at Kudos Gallery, Art & Design’s Annual 2015 at UNSW. In February 2018 she co-curated and exhibited at A Fragile State at Project 107 Redfern.
Nicole Wallace
Nicole Wallace, Director at White Rhino Artspace is a curator, artist and writer who completed her Masters in Curating and Cultural Leadership at UNSW in August 2020.
Nicole has both exhibited in, and assisted with curating exhibitions in Sydney and Edinburgh, Scotland. She recently provided curatorial assistance at the City Art Centre, Edinburgh and Travelling Gallery Scotland and has had her written work published.
Nicole has practised sculpture, printmaking and painting since a young age, focussing on the natural environment, heritage and human experience. Her focus and dedication to cultural and environmental awareness underpins her approach to varied curatorial and community projects. Nicole also has a Bachelor of Economics and background in marketing and publishing.
FOUNDING DIRECTORS
Tracy Stirzaker
Tracy Stirzaker, Founding and Former Director of White Rhino Artspace, sees herself as an observer and critic of contemporary Australian society and is inspired by her lived experience. Tracy explores embodied emotional experiences and socio-cultural factors through the repetition of words, motifs and symbols. Her experimental art practice spans a range of disciplines including textiles, painting, installation, text and film. Tracy’s current art practice arises from personal exploration into the self and positive affirmations, and stems from research into anxiety, depression and self-worth.
Tracy’s artwork is very thought provoking, personal and honest. She explores her lived experience with themes around the body – independence, mental health, Asperger’s and self-worth. Tracy is drawn to working with everyday domestic materials including old garments, found objects, household packaging and reclaimed linen. Employing painting and textiles techniques including text, hand stitch, applique and embroidery her artworks analyze and critique her life and thus reflects today’s Australian society.
Tracy Stirzaker is a Sydney based artist, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Distinction) from Art & Design, UNSW. Stirzaker has previously exhibited in group exhibitions including UNSW Art & Design 2016, SWAP Ryde 2017 and In Time at Gallery Lane Cove 2017/18. In February 2018 Stirzaker curated and exhibited in A Fragile State at 107 Redfern. Following a 3-month artist residency, her first solo show Recalibrate was at Gallery Lane Cove in March 2018 and included a successful panel discussion on the role of the arts in mental health. Tracy Stirzaker was a finalist in both the Hunters Hill Art Prize 2018 and the Ravenswood Women’s Art Prize 2018.
Website: www.tracystirzaker.com
Instagram: tracystirzaker_artist
Catie Sully
Catie Sully, Founding and Former Director of White Rhino Artspace, is a Canadian born metal artist who now calls Sydney home. She works with different metals, but prefers the versatility of copper, and exploring its distinct patinas. Before coming to Australia, Catie was involved in many different artistic endeavours. Catie lived in Japan, where she studied "Noh Mask" carving (traditional wooden masks used in ancient theatre performances) and "Oshie" (an old art form of making pictures using kimono silk). After deciding to settle in Australia, Catie began exploring different mediums, including glass fusing/slumping, mosaics and metal work. She found her passion in working with metal and mosaics, often combining the two for some very unique pieces. Her work is inspired by the beautiful and abundant wildlife and fauna found in and around Sydney. In addition to her metal and mosaics, Catie is also an accomplished woodworker.
Website: www.catiesully.com
Instagram: catiesully_artist