The Tweed Regional Gallery is set to present a new solo exhibition by Bundjalung award winner and First Nations artist, Michael Philp.
Silhouette of Memories is the outcome of the gallery’s inaugural Bundjalung Award, presented to Mr Philp as part of the 2022 Wollumbin Art Award.
He received the award for his painting Pearly Shells, 2022.
Michael Philp in his studio at M|Arts Precinct, Murwillumbah, 2023. Photo: Kiff & Culture.
The painting honoured Mr Philp’s mother, aunty, and grandmother, and was the inspiration for a new body of work.
Silhouette of Memories will be on display at Tweed Regional Gallery from Friday 1 September. Each painting was created from a treasured memory or an old photograph and highlights Mr Philp’s strong connection to family and friends.
‘I grew up with a large extended family so the social and cultural connections run deep over many generations,’ he says.
‘I feel strongly about each painting and the emotional connections I have with everyone who is being depicted. I get to honour these people in some small way, and some of them are not with us anymore.’
Gallery Director, Susi Muddiman OAM said the Tweed Regional Gallery team was proud of what Mr Philp had achieved and where his work was taking him.
It’s been our pleasure to work with Michael over the past year who has put a lot of time and emotion into his paintings,’ Ms Muddiman said.
‘Gallery staff were able to pop into his studio at M|Arts and yarn with him about his progress.’
Visitors to the Gallery can join the artist at the Opening Celebrations for the Gallery’s Spring exhibitions on Friday 15 September from 5.15 pm. Speeches won’t commence until 6.30 pm, allowing visitors to mingle with artists and other patrons while enjoying the sunset and much admired views from the light-filled Gallery.
The Gallery will also host a Meet the Artist event on Sunday 17 September from 2 pm with Mr Philp and Curator-Public Programs, Meredith Cusack, in conjunction with the exhibition.
Visitors can meet the artist and hear about his work from a personal and artistic perspective, along with the opportunity to learn more about his practice.
Both events are free. Bookings are essential via the Gallery’s ‘Activities and Events’ page on the website gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/activities-events
