Outer Space is launching two exhibitions with work by Brisbane based contemporary artists: Worm Runner’s Digest, a solo show by Mitchell Donaldson, and Assuming a Surface, an explorative and process driven exhibition by Tyza Stewart and James Barth.

In Worm Runner’s Digest, Donaldson presents a new body of work inspired by the experiments of biologist James V. McConnell on planarians, a type of flatworm. In his paintings, Donaldson explores the worm as if it were a magnified line, drawing itself into any number of other forms. “My experiment with line as a figure in its own right, be it worm, intestine, limb, branch, root, river or vein, is extended into a material exploration of line as an edge or limit with the function of both dividing and connecting”, says the artist.

Assuming a Surface expands upon James and Tyza’s existing painting and image making practices. Both artists produce ongoing series of self portraits that critique constructions of (trans)gender narratives, visibility and image production. This exhibition arose from a desire to consider more abstract and non-figurative aspects of their respective practices; to seek open-ended, non-prescriptive ways of addressing these ideas.

The exhibitions will be the first in Outer Space’s gallery program since moving to a converted West End warehouse space proudly supported by Brisbane City Council.