Major group exhibition celebrating the creativity of Central Victorian artists
A trio of artists from Central Victoria unite to express the impact of 'place' – where they live in the world, in a unique group exhibition to be officially opened by Central Goldfields Shire Councillor Grace La Vella at 2 pm on Saturday 20 April 2024. Everyone is welcome.
Jackie Gorring, Philip Adams and Craig Barrett all live on Dja Dja Wurrung country, with each acknowledging their own perspective of life on this land as fundamental to their artistic practice and expression.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Councillor Liesbeth Long said the purpose of Central Goldfields Art Gallery has always been to showcase work from the region alongside art from far and wide.
"Showcasing the outstanding work of artists from the region is an important role for our Gallery. It's part of the vision to be an innovative and inclusive public art space for the people of our Shire and its surrounding regions.
"This is authentic art unique to our part of the world, and helps us to reflect on who we are, where we are and why we choose to live here."
"Some of these pieces can even give us insight into how all of us can sustain and regenerate our region's future.
Jackie Gorring, who lives in Allendale, south of Maryborough, said on her many walks she gathers images and objects from her surrounds, then fashions sculptures which form statements about the human condition.
"I observe and interact with humans and animals and their foibles - people going about their daily life, routines and rituals.
Craig Barrett, who resides in Creswick, said that the upside-down landscape created by the gold rush in the 1800's inspires his sense of history, palette and form in his brush work, drawing and sculpture.
"I'm truly enchanted by the many shapes and colours found across the mullock heaps, which is what my first series explores.
"And those amazing old buildings of iron, stone and wood, how they're patched together and mellowed by time. These beloved sheds are the subject of my second series.
Much-loved and respected local artist Philip Adams has painted vistas of flora and fauna from his decades-long home in Bung Bong, along the road to the Pyrenees.
He said he was fortunate to live where the native bushland transitions to farmland.
"My daily views are through the trunks, branches and foliage of Box Gum and Stringybark, to vistas of open fields dotted with isolated grand eucalypts.
"The changing seasons reveal a variety of visual combinations, inhabited by many indigenous birds. My painting is the pleasure I wish to share of this beauty."
Mayor Cr Long added that the refurbished Central Goldfields Art Gallery continues to nurture the creative community.
"This is the enormous value of such a quality art space, that it showcases talented local people and in turn, attracts new artists to settle and work in the region."
The exhibition is on display until 14 July 2024. Entry is free, however donations to the Gallery are appreciated.
