Alfred Lowe is an Arrernte person from Snake Well in the central desert, growing up primarily in Alice Springs. Now working out of the Collective Art Centre in Adelaide, Alfred’s practice involves the use clay to create hand built sculptural forms and vessels that are often adorned with raffia weavings. His works typically includes the use of bold colours and textures with mark-making inspired by the landscapes of Central Australia.
Alfred’s interest in fine arts is heavily influenced and inspired by his upbringing. Central Australia is a politically and racially charged region and this has fuelled Alfred’s keen interest in racial justice and politics, often exploring the intersection of cultural practice and the modern world.
Working across scales Alfred’s work aims to be noticed, often exploring the idea of beauty and the human pursuit of perfection. His work compares idealised self-presentation to imperfections found in the natural world. ‘We try to present ourselves to the world as flawless, but when you look at the natural world like the mountains in Central Australia, it is the flaws that create beauty,’ explains Lowe.
Beginning his practice in 2021, Alfred’s work has been widely exhibited and collected, including notable acquisitions by the National Gallery of Australia, ACT, The Powerhouse Museum, NSW and the Art Gallery of South Australia, SA.
AFTER-PARTY is a celebration of community. I have been exploring the relationship between individuality and collectivism, these often-clashing ideals that exist within us all. We are social beings designed to be together but over the years we have become more and more individual, clinging to the idea of the self-made. These ideals often leave us isolated feeling the weight of the world alone, unable to ask for or accept help. Building community requires compromise, patience and plurality.
These works are full of individuality with bright colours, bold textures and a strong sense of self. But they come together to dance, love and celebrate community at the after-party.
Alfred Lowe, 2025
