The Tweed Regional Gallery is proud to present a solo exhibition by Bundjalung award winner and First Nations artist, Michael Philp.
Silhouette of Memories by First Nations artist Michael Philp is the exhibition outcome of Tweed Regional Gallery's inaugural Bundjalung Award, presented to Philp as part of the 2022 Wollumbin Art Award.
Philp received the award and the opportunity to exhibit by Guest Judge Curator and Editor of VAULT Magazine, Alison Kubler, for his painting Pearly Shells, 2022. The winning painting honoured his mother, aunty, and grandmother, and was the inspiration for this new body of work. The Bundjalung Award is generously funded by the Tweed Regional Gallery Foundation Ltd.
Philp's new exhibition titled Silhouette of Memories will be on display at Tweed Regional Gallery from Friday 1 September. Each painting was created from a treasured memory or an old photograph and highlights Philp's strong connection to family and friends.
"I grew up with a large extended family so the social and cultural connections run deep over many generations. I feel strongly about each painting and the emotional connections I have with everyone who is being depicted. I get to honour these people in some small way, and some of them are not with us anymore." Mr Philp said.
The Gallery is thrilled to present Michael Philp's exhibition Silhouette of Memories as the first outcome exhibition from the WAA Bundjalung Award.
"It's been our pleasure to work with Michael over the past year who has put a lot of time and emotion into his paintings. Gallery staff were able to pop into his studio at M|Arts and yarn with him about his progress. We're proud of what he's achieved and where his work is taking him," Gallery Director, Susi Muddiman OAM said.
Visitors to the Gallery can join Michael at the Opening Celebrations for the Gallery's Spring exhibitions on Friday 15 September from 5.15 pm. Speeches won't commence until 6.30 pm, allowing visitors to mingle with artists and other patrons while enjoying the sunset and much admired views from the light-filled Gallery.
The Gallery will host a Meet the Artist event on Sunday 17 September from 2 pm with Michael and Curator-Public Programs, Meredith Cusack, in conjunction with Michael's exhibition. Visitors can meet Michael and hear about his work from a personal and artistic perspective, along with the opportunity to learn more about his practice.
Both events are free. Bookings are essential via the Gallery's 'Activities and Events' page on the website gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/activities-events
The Wollumbin Art Award (including the Bundjalung Award) and its sister prize, The Wollumbin Youth Art Award, is the Tweed Regional Gallery's biennial award open to artists living in the Tweed, Ballina, Byron, Kyogle and Scenic Rim Shires, as well as Lismore and Gold Coast City. The Awards, named for the mountain the Gallery overlooks, celebrates the calibre and diversity of artists of the region and includes a pool of awards totalling $30,000, chosen by the guest judge. Artists can look forward to the Gallery calling for entries in March 2024 with the finalist exhibitions on display from September 2024. Watch the Gallery's socials and websites to keep up to date with the entry callout.
Silhouette of Memories will be on display at Tweed Regional Gallery from 1 September to 26 November 2023.
The WAA Bundjalung Award is sponsored by Tweed Regional Gallery Foundation Ltd. The WAA Emerging Artist Award is supported by Leanne and Greg Tong-Lyon. The Wollumbin Youth Art Award is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre Inc. The Awards and outcome exhibition are Tweed Regional Gallery initiatives.
Silhouette of Memories has been proudly funded by NSW Government.
Public Programs
Spring Opening Celebrations | Friday 15 September | 5.15 pm for 6.30 pm speeches DST | Free
Join us for the opening celebrations for BSA:10 Years; Silhouette of Memories by Michael Philp; and Analogue Kid by Diana Miller. Guest Speaker Brett Adlington, CEO, Museums & Galleries NSW, will open BSA: 10 Years.
Bookings essential https://springopen23.eventbrite.com.au
Meet the Artist: Michael Philp
Sunday 17 September | 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm | Free
Join artist Michael Philp in conversation with Curator: Public Programs, Meredith Cusack to gain insights into his practice and the exhibition Silhouette of Memories.
Bookings essential: https://MTAMP.eventbrite.com.au
