One of the exhibition pieces. Pilot by Josh ClearyFirst-year art teacher Josh Cleary unveiled his debut solo exhibition ‘On the Move' at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum last week.

Josh, a graduate of CQUniversity's Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning, is the new visual arts teacher at Monto State High School.

Despite a busy teaching schedule, Josh has found time to focus on his own art works when he has been out of the classroom.

Five years ago, Josh was the recipient of the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum Society Bursary, so it was fitting that his first exhibition be housed where his career started.

The exhibition features about 40 pieces of art from assemblage and paintings to digital works. All of the paintings have been done with spray paint, giving the pieces a street art appeal.

Josh says his art has been inspired by artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Banksy, the Pop Art movement and street art and stencilling techniques.
Krystie Smoothy, Assie Paddick and Mark Paddick look over some of the exhibition artwork by Josh Cleary. Photo By Kalo Foleti. Compliments of The Gladstone Observer.

Josh's former high school art teacher and mentor, Mark Paddick from Toolooa State High School, was one of the first to visit the exhibition in Gladstone last week.

And like Mark, Josh hopes to inspire other young artists.

"I really enjoy helping students discover talent that they never thought they had. I also like seeing students take an idea and turn into an amazing art piece in just 10 weeks."

The exhibition will be open until September 13.