GOING BACK IN TIME THROUGH SPOWERS AND SYME
COMMEMORATING the artistic friendship of Melbourne women Ethel Spowers and Eveline Syme, Western Plains Cultural Centre will showcase an exhibition through the perspective of two pioneering modern artists who have been largely overlooked in history.
The ‘Spowers & Syme’ event will be showcased in the centre from February 26 until May 1 with multiple print-making workshops running throughout the exhibition period.
Curator Kent Buchanan said he is thrilled to showcase the exhibition as the Western Plains Cultural Centre is one of only three galleries displaying the pieces.
“The show is a part of the National Gallery touring exhibition and it only furthers our relationship with the institution,” he said, remarking that the WPCC is recognised nationally as a leading venue in terms of being able to present large shows that generate an audience.
‘Spowers & Syme’ encapsulates the lives of two women, Ethel Spowers and Eveline Syme, who met in Melbourne and were both daughters of rival media company owners who became well known in the modern art industry during the 1930s
and ‘40s.
Using their innovative approach of woodcut techniques, ‘Spowers & Syme’ showcases their unique capabilities through prints and drawings reflecting everyday observations of childhood themes, overseas travel and urban life.
The exhibition is a part of the ‘Know My Name’ project hosted by the National Gallery to provide acknowledgement to pioneering women who were not
recognised during their time.
“This show will really familiarise the audience with the importance of artistic women through modern history and open avenues for appreciation,” he said.
“Their pieces are an accurate representation of their time which display the growth and development of a busy city in an urban landscape,” he continued, saying the show is suitable for a range of people as it illustrates the reflection of women during that era.
“This show gives us a chance to educate so it will be a really good opportunity for schools to bring in their students to teach them about historical figures,” he said, adding it also shows a lot of imagery using delicate techniques.
The Western Plains Cultural Centre is hosting a 1930s-inspired cocktail party to launch the event on Friday, February 25.