Themes of light, colour and form are explored in three new art exhibitions opening at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery this month.
Opening on Friday 11 April, ‘CIAF: Big Sculptures’, ‘Neon Coral Confetti’ and ‘Wallum Whispers’, mark the second suite of exhibitions for the Galleries Autumn program.
Artist Lisa Ashcroft said her exhibition ‘Neon Coral Confetti’ represented her obsession with recording the decline and regeneration of the Great Barrier Reef.
“Since moving to Queensland in 2011, I fell in love with the vastness of the Reef and the luminosity of Queensland light,” Lisa said.
“The portfolio of work connects symbiotic relationships between art and advocacy, nature and human intervention, science and conservation.
“The paintings are the result of underwater photography, diving and sketching the reef.”
Lisa said she hoped the colourful oil paintings would encourage viewers to consider their responsibility as guardians of the environment for future generations.
“The works embody my somewhat neurotic distinctive artistic style, which echoes the ecosystem’s constant battle for survival against the degradation caused by human pollutants.
“The paintings depict coral regrowth and other scientific techniques used to restore the reef’s health, bringing to light the role of science in conserving biodiversity.
“It is my hope that people see the intersection of natural processes and human intervention.”
At the same time, BRAG’s Gallery One will feature sculpture from the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) in a touring exhibition presenting highlights from the annual showcase.
Council’s Arts and Heritage portfolio spokesperson Councillor John Learmonth said the CIAF exhibition would feature artworks from prominent and emerging First Nations artists.
“The exhibition tells an array of stories that reflect the artists’ connection to culture, land and heritage, through large-scale commissioned works,” Cr Learmonth said.
“It promises to be a visually stunning exhibition that will intrigue and delight audiences.
“The accompanying public programs offer some really exciting opportunities for people to delve deeper into all of the exhibitions on display.”
Opening events
Community members are invited to attend the free exhibition opening at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery on Friday 11 April from 5.30 pm, no booking required.
In conversation events with artist Lisa Ashcroft and an artist from ‘CIAF: Big Sculptures’ are on Saturday 12 April at 10 am and 11 am.
Bundaberg Regional Galleries will present two masterclasses with Lisa Ashcroft on painting with acrylics and watercolour techniques.
More information and ticket links for the masterclasses can be found in the Galleries Autumn program.
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