Australian National Botanic Gardens Growing, studying and promoting Australian plants
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An exhibition of contemporary furniture with some high profile namesakes is now on display at the Botanic Gardens. "Beyond the Glass Door" by one of Canberra’s most talented young furniture makers, Niklavs Rubenis, features occasional tables named Simon and Garfunkel, and stacking chairs named Burt and Ernie, and Laverne and Shirley.

Niklavs Rubenis graduated with honours from the Canberra School of Art last year and was recently awarded the Emerging Artists Support Scheme "Creative Key Solutions Award for Excellence" in recognition of his work in furniture design. His work is largely concerned with apartment spaces and is a response to the current boom in medium density housing presently being developed in Canberra.

Through his use of Australian native timbers Mr Rubenis’ work captures aspects of the outside environment, which are reflected in his furniture designs.

"The transparency of Australian eucalyptus, the textures and colours of native vegetation and the arrangements of organic and man-made landmarks have all been incorporated into my design principles," Mr Rubenis says.

Mr Rubenis has previously exhibited his work at the Powerhouse Museum (Sydney), the Universidad Catolica de Chile (Santiago, Chile) and Old Parliament House, Canberra.

"Beyond the Glass Door" is on display from Saturday 31 January until Sunday 8 February 2004 in the Dickson Room.

Niklavs Rubenis is available for interview at the Botanic Gardens at 5.00pm today.

Media contact: Paul Ziesing

paul.ziesing@deh.gov.au

29 January 2004