Appealing to intellect, senses
GROUP exhibitions, solo shows, and a crisp new gallery space offer diverse visual experiences that appeal to the intellect and to the intuitive response.
THE ALEXANDRA LAWSON GALLERY, now at 19 Goggs St, Fridays 4-6pm, Saturdays 11am-1pm, is a cottage gallery that puts a refreshing spin on the traditional notion of the “white cube”. The exhibition spaces are fitted out in a formal and professional manner but the integration of domestic interior and gallery is an inspired combination that allows the viewer to see the potential of integrating artworks into their own home.
The inaugural exhibition features signature works by local, national, and international artists in the ALG stable. There are ceramic pieces by Dan Elborne, paintings and ceramics by David Usher, and paintings by Jude Roberts and Hayley Megan French. Small, desirable mixed media pieces by Stephen Spurrier, fascinating digital lenticular photographs by Sarah Ryan, and Ian McCallum’s quirky “pigment skins” vie for attention with the cerebral architectural geometries by Tilman, Tarn McLean, and Kyle Jenkins.
THE CULLIFORD GALLERY AT THE TOOWOOMBA ART SOCIETY, 1 Godsall St, is featuring “Dyed and Bound” an exhibition of artist books and textile works by some sixteen members of the Society. The books and wall hangings are linked by texture, subtle colours, and rich patterns to create an harmonious presentation. From Jan Scudamore’s long narrative wall drops, Jenny Burgess’s world of fey creatures, and Jean Constantine’s elegant “Red and Blue” wall piece to Cynthia McBride’s and Elizabeth Schmidt’s small treasures, the evocative panels by Hilary Fogarty, and Sandra Tessmann’s vibrant felt work, this tactile exhibition is a joy to see. THE CORRIDOR AT THE ART SOCIETY is presenting “Dots and Dashes” an exhibition of paintings by Ann Fogarty. The work explores aspects of the Art Brut style in which raw colour and simple form express an emotional view of the world. The symbolism of the circle whether hole or halo, eternity or the Self, is seen here as a fundamental pattern in nature. THE CROWS NEST REGIONAL ART GALLERY is hosting an exhibition by Dan Elborne. The title “Ceremony” implies the notion of ritual and the formal observation of some rite of passage. The spare exhibition design enhances this through an understated and minimalist installation that sets a solemn, even devotional scene.
The black animal skulls with their iron glazes and subtle flashes of gold lustre and the curving row of black vertebrae also highlighted in gold lustre, create the stillness and reverence of an ossuary or sacred reliquary. There is almost an archaeological respect for bone and clay as primal artefacts that pay homage to existence.
The objects adopt a role in the preservation of memory, and the sense of commemoration endorses history’s sometimes illogical claim of immortality.