Exhibition statemtent version #1

Rock, Paper, Lasers


Troy Innocent
Jeff Janet
Trinh Vu
Joel Zika

Exhibition Opening 7-9pm Friday July 31
Exhibition runs July 29 – August 15 2009


The four artists in Rock, Paper, Lasers – Troy Innocent, Jeff Janet, Trinh Vu & Joel Zika - have used the latest digital laser technology to create paper artworks and sculptures; some of the works mimic industrial design objects while others are representative of mere folly and experimentation.

One of the intentions of the artists in this exhibition is to deride the mass production of iconography, such as that which is so often seen in ‘home wares’ or ‘lifestyle’ shops, to make a series of more unique works. Other works in the show are intended to exemplify the possibilities of these tools for the creation of contemporary art works. While these artists cast a light on the facelessness of the prefabricated object, at the same time, they choose to revel in the machine’s benefits for more unique creative purposes rather than running from them.

Each of the artists in Rock, Paper, Lasers lecture in Art and Design at Monash University and as a part of their own on-going practice set themselves the task to create this exhibition of two & three dimensional artworks collaboratively.

Troy Innocent is represented by Tolarno Galleries, Boutwell Draper Gallery, and Hugo Michell Gallery. Trinh Vu is represented by Christine Abrahams Gallery (Melbourne), ArtsBank and Chika Gallery (Tokyo). Joel Zika first exhibited at Kick Gallery in 2004 and has regularly exhibited at Kick Gallery in various group exhibitions. Rock, Paper, Lasers has been supported by the Monash University Art & Design Faculty.

Rock, Paper, Lasers runs until August 15 2009.



For further information please contact Jacob Hoerner, Kick Gallery (Director) e:info@kickgallery.com m:0412 243 818 w:kickgallery.com

Kick Gallery is open w-f 11-7pm & sat 12-5pm and is located at 239 High Street Northcote





Rock, Paper, Lasers - Artist Biographies

Troy Innocent

Troy has been exploring the ‘language of computers’ and the new aesthetics of digital space since 1989. His artificial worlds – Iconica (SIGGRAPH 98, USA), and Semiomorph (ISEA02, Japan) – explore the dynamic between the iconic ideal and the personal specific, the real and the simulated, and the way in which our identity is shaped by language and communication. He has received numerous awards, including Honorary Mention, LIFE 2.0: Artificial Life, Spain (1999); Foreign Title Award, MMCA Multimedia Grand Prix, Japan (1998); First Prize, National Digital Art Awards, Australia (1995); and Honorary Mention, Prix Ars Electronica (1992). lifeSigns: an eco-system of signs & symbols (2004), was commissioned by the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and Film Victoria. Innocent is currently Senior Lecturer, Department of Multimedia & Digital Arts, Monash University, Melbourne. His most recent work is an urban art environment entitled Colony within Digital Harbour at the Docklands, Melbourne. Innocent is represented by Tolarno Galleries, Boutwell Draper Gallery, and Hugo Michell Gallery.

Jeff Janet

Jeff has work internationally in Art Direction, Advertising and freelance Graphic Design. South Africa born, he now coordinates the Master of Multimedia and Design programs at Monash University. Jeff’s PhD research focuses on interactive online comunties and gaming, he is interested in the link that can be made between this type of media and the history and theory of fine arts. Most recently Jeff represented Australia at the Asia Pacific Design exchange exhibition in Osaka.

Trinh Vu


Trained in fine art and multimedia, her work has been always about the relationship between art and technology. Over the past ten years she has undertaken research and development of projects that investigate applications and influences of different reproduction technologies in contemporary art practices.
Her current project focuses on the use of 3D computer graphic technology to experiment with different methods of generating synthetic images. She is represented by Christine Abrahams Gallery (Melbourne), ArtsBank and Chika Gallery (Tokyo).

Joel Zika

A Melbourne based photomedia artist, Joel Zika's research centers on the translation of the cinematic scene into stand alone artworks and immersive environments. Key to this exploration is the experience and iconography of Fun parks, Ghost Trains and Haunted Houses which all fuel these fantastic images. Using multiple projection installation, animation and large format digital imaging he creates works that have been exhibited in galleries, screenings and design shows nationally and internationally. Joel is currently lecturing in Digital Arts at Monash University.