Solo exhibitions reflect direction
SOLO exhibitions tend to mark a particular point in the creative life of an artist.
They can profile new work, illustrate a political stand, reflect on artistic direction, inspiration, skill and as a retrospective, present work from different periods in the artist’s career.
Current local and regional exhibitions tick all these boxes.
The Alexandra Lawson Gallery at its pop up space 2, 5-7 Railway St, (Saturdays 7.30am-11am) is showing new work by the irrepressible artist, Stephen Spurrier. “Return of the Moon Dogs” is an exhibition of works on paper and limited edition prints that explore the human condition and its relationship with the universe.
This colossal topic is translated through the more domestic and capricious meanderings of dogs who cavort, lope, or stand transfixed as the moon weaves its spell.
Spurrier borrows a range of images from art historical references and jig saw puzzle pieces, to anatomical skeletons and comet trajectories set against dark skies filled with plumy clouds. Symbolic mysticism is framed by elements of mystery underscored by an appealing, whimsical playfulness.
These are works to enjoy for a lifetime with imagery that suggests continuing discoveries.
The Irene Amos Gallery at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery is presenting “Irene Amos: The Fabric of Things Unseen.” The exhibition includes pieces from the gallery’s collection supported by a drawing, collages, and paintings from private collections.
The works offer an insight into the unseen emotional motivation that inspired the artist’s visual response to music, the transformation of ephemera into vitrines of art, and coloured the abstract translation of metaphysical phenomena.
On the gallery’s mezzanine floor is an addendum to the exhibition with three portraits of Irene Amos. The stunning study by Gordon Shepherdson is flanked by a stark self portrait by Amos, and a softly intuitive impression by Beverley Budgen.
The atrium at Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery is hosting a mini retrospective selection of works by Beverley Budgen.
The paintings are an uneven collection ranging from the brink of naive to a sophisticated salute to the Fauvist abandon of Matisse.
Colour and spontaneity define subjects through loose, expressive gestures that capture seascapes, river scenes, and sun-filled interiors. However, a more strenuous culling would have done the artist more favours.
The Crows Nest Regional Art Gallery is the venue for “Consumed,” an exhibition of meticulous drawings by Ipswich artist, Sharon McKenzie.
The works are a plea for awareness of the plight of endangered native fauna and flora.
The oblivious ignorance of the past has consumed parts of our fragile environmental heritage and this rough shod damage has also extended to historical buildings torn down in the name of progress.
McKenzie has incorporated the detailed patterns of crochet and lace in backgrounds that suggest a shifting scale of values.
Reminder to Art Lovers: Visit the Grammar Art Show this weekend!