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New Exhibition Examines Australian Rural Life
A unique perspective on Australian rural life will be examined in a thought-provoking exhibition by three West Australian artists, when it opens at Heathcote Museum and Gallery on Friday, 8 October 2010.
City of Melville Curator Soula Veyradier said the exhibition, The Now Recent Past, would challenge traditional notions of rural Australia.
“The artists, Mandy Harwood, Katie Martin and Roderick Sprigg, have lived and continue to live in rural areas and have taken a subjective look at the rural experience,” she said.
“Each artist has responded intuitively with a range of materials. The exhibition explores contemporary manhood and the fantasy of the land.
“Because ‘bush culture’ is part of the Australian identity, many exhibition visitors will already have images of rural Australia in their mind. So, with its choice of artwork, this exhibition will reinforce and question the ideas we have of our rural environment. The three artists have all developed their art practices over a number of years and to see them come together for this exhibition is very exciting.”
Artist Katie Martin described how feral animals inspired her work in The Now Recent Past.
“Despite their destructive reputation, these inquisitive and majestic creatures possess a certain beauty that is often overlooked,” Ms Martin said. “In my work, rapid population growth extends through the use of geometric patterns and the repetition of motifs.”
Artist Mandy Hardwood said her art works were a comment on her grandmother.
”The extraordinary sensitivity and resourcefulness of my grandmother and others who, in the absence of men, continued to ably raise a family, run a working farm, and tell us their stories,” Ms Harwood said.
Artist Roderick Sprigg explained his interest in peoples’ psychological drives, particularly of men.
“This is a place without reference points,” Mr Sprigg said. “People get lost, others find their place. Some belong."
The Now Recent Past will open on Friday, 8 October at 6.00pm and runs until Sunday, 14 November at the Heathcote Museum and Gallery on Duncraig Road in Applecross. To attend the opening contact (08) 9364 5666.
The Heathcote Museum and Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 10.00am to 3.00pm, and weekends from 11.00am to 3.00pm. For more information, call the Gallery on (08) 9364 5666.
Exhibition