Once upon a time in a gallery
GEELONG Gallery will premiere contemporary artwork attributed to the nation’s acclaimed indigenous and non-indigenous illustrators on Saturday, introducing young readers to complex ideas about modern humanity.
Reimagine — The World According to Children’s Books is a free exhibition set to transport local kids to a world of fascination inspired by book illustrations.
Senior curator Lisa Sullivan said the exhibition promotes literacy and diverse ways of viewing the world.
“We are telling our own stories as well as universal tales by establishing a dynamic connection between reading and seeing,” she said.
“The artists have used a mix of traditional and modern approaches to take young readers on an insightful and fascinating journey.”
Geelong Gallery director James Smith said the panel was surprised by the practice range of many illustrators, who focused on crafting their images intensively.
“The experimental methodologies they have used vary from the venerable traditions of drawing and watercolour to collage, sculpture, painted ceramics and even digital imaging,” he said.
The gallery will also premiere a major new work by famous Geelong illustrator Robert Ingpen, as part of the Reimagine exhibition.
Spread across seven metres of painted wooden panels, Mr Ingpen brings together a universe of some of the most famous characters from the history of children’s stories and nursery rhymes like Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and Captain Hook, Humpty Dumpty and Bunyip Bluegum.
Another highlight of the exhibition will be Dee Huxley’s Look See, Look at Me, depicting the story of family life in an Aboriginal community.
The artist collaborated with author Leonie Norrington to run workshops with the women of Barunga, Wugularr and Manyalalluk communities of Arnhem Land to create original vibrant illustrations and rhyming texts.
The gallery is also running a full schedule of public programs.
For information, visit: geelonggallery.org.au