Four new exhibitions interrogating ideas of self through the use of portraiture, movement and the body will be on display at the Tweed Regional Gallery as part of the gallery’s Autumn exhibition series.
synergy: identity, portraiture and the moving body includes works by nationally and internationally recognised artists Atong Atem, Gerwyn Davies, Tim Georgeson and Sue Healey. This show headlines the Autumn series, which opens at the gallery on Friday 8 March.
Gallery Director Ingrid Hedgcock said she was delighted to offer an expansive showcase of artists across a range of mediums as part of the new Autumn series.
‘We’re excited to unveil four different exhibitions that celebrate diversity in many forms and provide our patrons with an array of visual storytelling in a variety of different mediums,’ said Ms Hedgcock said.
Artistic feast
‘Shown together, the exhibition provides an artistic feast through the fierce synergies between sound and movement and the poetic language of dance through fantastic transformations and elaborate costuming.’
The exhibition explores personal and cultural forms of identity and will present contemporary photography alongside a multi-channel, large-scale projection and an installation of film and sound.
Ms Hedgcock said the works of each artist are being shown together for the first time, highlighting the intersection between each artist’s individual practice, while presenting a collection of works that synergise in an interesting dialogue.
‘This collection of work supports and challenges traditional notions of portraiture and contains powerful messages for everyone about expressing oneself and embracing and celebrating individual identities,’ she said.
Panel discussion and opening event
The exhibition has been curated by the Gallery’s Curator – Exhibitions, Tina Wilson, with works selected from the extensive and impressive back catalogue of each artist.
A special ticketed panel discussion will be held before the opening on 8 March. This discussion will be hosted by celebrated Aboriginal journalist, broadcaster, documentary maker, sound artist and writer, Daniel Browning.
Tcket holders will have the opportunity to hear directly from the exhibiting artists and learn more about their artistic practice, as well as enjoy a private preview of the exhibition before its official opening.
Tickets for the panel discussion are on sale now via Humanitix.
Additional shows
A free official opening event will follow the panel discussion and includes celebration of two additional exhibition openings by regional artists who also explore portraiture and ideas of self.
Gold Coast artist Samuel Leighton-Dore will open his solo exhibition Looking Back There Were Signs. The exhibition includes his signature ceramic works alongside animation, and explores his adult diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the ways in which new diagnoses can recontextualise old ideas of self.
Regional artist Trish Tait will also open her solo exhibition Portraits of Sound that celebrates the transformative power of music through a series of oil paintings. Each of her works contain the portrait of a young musician who finds solace in the personal expression of music.
The opening of a solo exhibition by emerging artist Emily Ebbs, recipient of the 2022 Tweed Regional Gallery — National Art School Masters of Fine Art (Painting) Residency Award, will round off the multi-opening event. Emily completed a residency in the Gallery’s on-site Nancy Fairfax Artist in Residence Studio and will present her exhibition Slow, Motions.
These works were created by applying delicate washes of acrylic paint and scented oils to muslin and evoke the mindfulness, reflection and contemplation of her residency experience.
All four exhibitions will be officially opened to the public on Friday 8 March with gallery doors open from 6.15 pm. Bookings are essential.
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