Galleries embrace nature in art shows
EXHIBITIONS in regional galleries embrace nature and the changing seasons as well as using the alphabet as a framework from which to explore a variety of subjects.
Artists using clay, ceramics, drawing, painting and photography offer results that are earthy and enigmatic, colourfully impressionistic, and eclectic interpretations based on the discipline of language.
The Crows Nest Regional Art Gallery is presenting Contours an exhibition by Carolyn Drought-Leblang and Peter Osborn.
The understated display combines ceramic structures and works on paper to create a visual harmony.
Osborn has used clay slip, ash, watercolour, pastel, and charcoal as a fluid mixed media. His abstract studies have a sensuous quality, the striations and patterns carry a visual texture evoking a tactile earthiness that breathes landscape.
The almost random gestures that shape works such as Field, and Caloola Creek 1 and 2 have an expressive spontaneity that juggles order and chaos.
Drought- Leblang counterpoints Osborn’s the paintings with a series of restrained and meditative ceramic sculptures.
The subdued, smoked fired colouring enhances the rhythmic and elegant undulations with their subtle nod to the Möbius strip.
Met Gallery in the Village Green at the Chocolate Cottage complex in Highfields is showing works by Diana Battle, the guest artist for the autumn season.
Battle’s paintings are variegated impressions that play with dappled light and patterns of colour.
Flowers and trees punctuated by bird life become almost abstract visions of reality. Battle’s interpretations view nature as if through a kaleidoscope that shatters and rebuilds the imagery in shards of colour.
The paintings are more an emotional response to changing light than they are a depiction of place.
The Clifton Library foyer gallery is hosting an exhibition by the Clifton Photographers.
The ABC of Photography is a topic that has potential for further exploration.
The alphabet, the set of letters used to create words that form a language, is given visual expression by members of the group.
However, the inclusion of a
room sheet describing the project and the process of letter selection: whether it was a matter of choice, lucky dip, or the crafting an existing work to fit the theme, would give additional interest not only to the subjects but also an insight into the fun to be had as a member of this group.
The subjects such as B: Books by Dave Wellings, the sharpened coloured pencils that become C: Colour by Craig Griffiths, and the beautiful eye and tiger by Marion de la Croix offer engaging imagery. Nelma Ward’s still life of Ingredients, the rustic wooden kitchen by Helen Finlay, and the yellow Vee Dub by Malcom Sypher have much to reward the viewer.
The height of the works makes them audience- accessible but the nature of the space creates reflections that make visual appreciation something of a challenge.