Event Type: Free

Presented by TUSA Painting Society

November 30 – December 12 2023

OPENING NIGHT

Dec 1, 2023 – 6pm

Live music recital by Ms. Eo Greensticks

OPENING HOURS

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Variations to Daily Opening Times :

Thursday and Friday open until 7.00pm

An annual exhibition of contemporary art created by present students and graduates of the University of Tasmania.

An annual exhibition of contemporary art created by present students and graduates of the University of Tasmania is hosted by the TUSA Painting Society. Although drawn mainly from the School of Creative Arts and Media the exhibition is designed to showcase the artistic talents of the entire UTAS community and features works from across the disciplines in a wide range of various mediums.

Daily opening times:
25 January – 12 February, 2024
10am – 4pm

Tasmanian Totems is a timely reminder that life is a beautiful but ultimately fragile endeavor and memento mori. Kitsch but never vulgar, this collection will focus your mind on one universal truth: that all shall pass eventually, with beauty as the epicentre. In a philosophically way: death doesn’t exist.

Greta Diaz Ortiz has a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from the Polytechnical University of Valencia (2011), traveling extensively since to satisfy her intense interest in the natural world and the cultural fabric it supports.

Paying her peripatetic way for over a decade as a tattoo artist she landed in Tasmania in 2020 and immediately responded to the immense natural beauty of her new home. After participating in a number of art collaborations in Hobart she decided to create her first solo exhibition in Tasmania with a focus on her passions: art and nature.

Being disconnected from nature damages the human soul. Bringing pieces of nature to your intimate place evokes bucolic feelings while stimulating renewed connections. These pieces demand veneration for the natural world by emphasizing the dichotomy of perfect imperfection: perfection does not exist in nature, no matter how much we strive for it.

Totems historically are pieces of nature which connect individuals with their raison d’etre. Humans appreciate the spiritual significance, bringing totems to their ancestor’s memories. We believe and behave as though the earth belongs to us when in reality the equation is the other way around.

Tasmanian Totems as a collection seeks to stimulate your subconscious and reconnect you with your senses and spirituality.

The artist mixes media to create pieces which are unique and yet related. Visitors are invited on an organic journey through hidden memories to our tribal instincts via works forged from the elemental to stimulate the senses. Reflections of life and death await, with beauty existing in both phases. Beauty is the connection in this idiosyncrasy, the world is always full of beauty and even if we cannot appreciate it is stills there, the never ending love of Nature.

Manifesting her influences through repurposed discharged animal bones, sponges, feathers, wood, sand and diverse recycled material from across Tasmania affords these natural remnants a second life; beauty renewed.

Creating pieces which allow pure nature airs and graces befitting their existence, some of Greta’s important influences include: animism, shamanism, mysticism and the occult. Greta’s passion for nature springs from an exaltation of the elements: water meets earth meets air meets metal.

Flamboyant representations of the natural world in settings spannin the realm of fortune from majestic to morbid. To conjure reflections on the essence of life.

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Presented by Stephen Mallick

Featuring works by Nolan Art K-12 Students, this annual exhibition features ceramics, sculpture, fashion illustration, oil and acrylic painting, and drawing.

Opening Event
Saturday 11 November 2023
1:00pm – 3:00pm

Featuring works by Nolan Art‘s Adult Students, this annual exhibition features oil and acrylic painting, watercolour and drawing.

Presented by OnTrack Tasmania

8 – 14 November 2023


OPENING HOURS

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Variations to Daily Opening Times :

13th November 2023 | Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

An exhibition that looks to the future, featuring works that imagine new possibilities for technology, society, and the environment.

OnTrack Tasmania is thrilled to present our latest art exhibition, “Re-imagining the Future.” This captivating event offers a unique journey into the creative minds of our talented participants, who have dared to dream and envision a world that lies ahead of us. As we delve into this immersive theme, we are introduced to a kaleidoscope of artistic interpretations that ignite the imagination and challenge conventional perspectives.

“Re-imagining the Future” is more than just an art exhibition; it’s a vibrant exploration of human ingenuity and the ever-evolving tapestry of our world. In a society marked by its rapid changes and uncertainties, this theme becomes a mirror reflecting both our deepest fears and our wildest aspirations. It’s a reminder that the future is not set in stone; it is a canvas we can co-create, influenced by our actions, innovations, and choices.

One of the intriguing aspects of “Re-imagining the Future” is the opportunity to delve into the relationship between technology and our collective destiny. The artists have delved into the possibilities that lie in the not-so-distant future, where artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology are at the forefront. Some works explore the harmony between humanity and technology, portraying a utopian fusion of human and machine. Others, however, dare to look at the darker side of innovation, presenting scenarios where machines rule and humanity grapples with the consequences of its own creations.

Our vision of the future would be incomplete without contemplating the state of our environment. “Re-imagining the Future” invites us to think about our planet’s destiny and humanity’s role in preserving it. The artists have woven their concerns, hopes, and dreams into pieces that depict a world where we have chosen to coexist with nature, where sustainable practices reign supreme, and where environmental conservation is paramount. It’s a call to action to safeguard the planet for generations yet to come.

Societal shifts and progress are fundamental components of our future. The artworks presented in this exhibition explore how our communities, cultures, and values may evolve. From new approaches to education and healthcare to challenges related to migration and diversity, the artists capture the essence of a society in metamorphosis. “Re-imagining the Future” showcases a spectrum of possibilities, inviting us to ponder on the potential paths we may tread.

Within the labyrinth of “Re-imagining the Future,” we also delve into the complex realm of political structures and ideologies. What if governments embraced new forms of governance? What if ideologies shifted, creating novel paradigms for society? These questions find their answers in the art on display, portraying diverse political visions, from the harmonious to the tumultuous, from utopia to dystopia.

Amidst the diverse interpretations and visions of the future, one common thread unites these artworks – the indomitable human spirit. “Re-imagining the Future” is not merely a projection of our anxieties or utopian fantasies; it is a testament to our resilience, adaptability, and boundless capacity to dream. The art reminds us that the human spirit thrives, even in the face of adversity.

Art has always been a powerful catalyst for societal transformation, and “Re-imagining the Future” is no exception. It challenges us to think critically about the choices we make today and their impact on tomorrow. This exhibition offers an opportunity for self-reflection, dialogue, and engagement. It inspires us to consider our own role in shaping the future, whether as individuals, communities, or as a global society.

We cordially invite you to join us on this artistic odyssey, to witness the myriad interpretations of “Re-imagining the Future.” The exhibition is not just about contemplating what’s to come; it’s about actively engaging with the possibilities and contributing to the dialogue on our collective destiny.

“Re-imagining the Future” challenges you to explore, reflect, and, perhaps, to envision your own future. As you meander through the captivating works created by the participants of OnTrack Tasmania, let your imagination soar, and consider the role you wish to play in crafting a future that transcends boundaries and limitations.

In the evocative world of “Re-imagining the Future,” art becomes a portal to infinite potential. Embrace the experience, and together, let us embark on a journey that defies convention and celebrates the creative spirit of change.

The exhibition awaits you, ready to inspire, provoke, and reshape the way you envision tomorrow.

Presented by Henrietta Manning

An installation of paintings and text exploring the meaning, connections and value that can be placed on an object. Shoes.  From ancient superstition, fantasy and Cinderella, shoe fetishism and fashion, shoes mean many things to many people. Shoes hold memories, reflecting back moments in time of our footprints on earth.

References to shoes and feet permeate our language. To ‘’start off on the right foot’’ has come to mean to make a good start at something, but go back further and you will discover it was considered unlucky to put on your left shoe first. The phenomenon of shoes hidden in fireplaces, walls, under floors and in roof spaces is documented, if not fully explained. A practice thought to ward off evil or possibly to ensure fertility and happiness. The oldest shoe was found in Winchester Cathedral dating to 1308 and many are in private homes. These superstitions were brought to Australia by immigrants and the artist has worked from shoes loaned to her and even found under her properties historic apple packing shed.

A shoe can be practical, or an expression of stature, an extension of personality and individuality. A well-worn shoe carries the imprint of its owner. From your first to your last shoe, they can connect you to memories of places, times and people. The shoes of the deceased can be highly emotive and difficult to part with. ‘Cynthia I’ was painted in memory of the artists mother in the expectation she would then be able to let go of her mother’s shoes, she still has them!

It is both fascinating and horrifying the obsession and money spent on shoes, from Imelda Marcos’s personal collection, brand trainers, to collectors of the shoes of the famous or the excess of the 2018 Passion Diamond Shoes (USD 17 million made from diamonds and gold). Paintings from life of those hidden dark dusty mysterious shoes found secreted in and under buildings will contrast with the bright and shiny footwear abandoned in opportunity shops with which some have tortured their feet. When considering the ramifications of our footprint/lifestyle on the planet it would be pertinent to consider the waste generated by the fashion industry.

What do shoes mean to you?

Presented by Salamanca Arts Centre

Dates and times:

Wednesday 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th November, 2023 – 4pm – 9pm

WRITE YOUR NOVEL THIS NOVEMBER AT SALAMANCA ARTS
CENTRE, AS PART OF GLOBAL NANOWRIMO PROGRAM

Salamanca Arts Centre is opening its doors to writers from 4pm-9pm every Wednesday
throughout November, as part of the annual NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)
program.

Writers are invited to bring their laptops, notebooks and ideas to Salamanca Arts Centre, away
from the kitchen table and the distractions of home and write their novels.

Tap and scrawl quietly in the company of other writers working on their novels, or
discuss challenges and work through blockages. Everyone is welcome and participation is free.

Every November since 1999, NaNoWriMo has seen writers around the globe embark upon a
month-long writing marathon to complete a first draft of their novel. NaNoWriMo also offers
support and practical advice through their extensive resource hub and numerous online forums.

Participating in NaNoWriMo means being part of a global community of writers all working
towards a common deadline of 30th November 2023.

To help us estimate numbers for our venue, you are invited to register at:
https://events.humanitix.com/nanowrimo-salamanca

Presented by Tasmanian Ceramics Association

A snapshot of ceramicist the late John Watson (d.2017), revealing his distinctive architectural style of handbuilt and  slipcast sculptural forms, often raku fired.

The Tasmanian Ceramics Association’s concurrent exhibition in Off Centre’s Microgallery  (featuring John’s forms) is to establish a legacy fund in John’s name.

John Watson was a builder in various guises for much of his adult life, only taking up ceramics in his 60’s.

A fair amount of mudbrick building led him to clay. A two-year Ceramics Diploma course in Canberra (2000/2001) and – on his return to Tasmania – a part-time job as the ceramics technician for TAFE & Adult Education.

As John honed his slip-casting and hand-building skills, he developed a unique style and began selling a range of work through the artists’ cooperative, Off Centre.

John’s keen interest in ceramics manifested itself in many volunteer roles. He was a much valued and committed member of the TCA, serving as President for a time and the driving force behind many activities – especially his popular raku workshops.

John’s strong architectural forms revealed his keen sense of design, winning him many awards at TCA exhibitions, and a dedicated fan base.

John was a much loved and well-respected teacher and colleague who gave his knowledge and time generously. John’s sudden passing in 2017 was a huge blow to the ceramic’s community.

The LIGHTBOX exhibition is a tribute to John, showcasing a collection of his work, photographs of him in the studio, at workshops, and his creations.

Following John’s death, the TCA committee decided to create a legacy fund to commemorate John’s significant contribution to Tasmanian ceramics. A programme of workshops was developed whereby students and colleagues who’d worked alongside John were given the opportunity to work with casts of his iconic forms. Several new and vibrant sculptures emerged – prompted by his architectural forms. Participants were encouraged think differently and experiment with unfamiliar materials and techniques. John’s touch is present in each of the art works created. Amazing echoes reverberate through the exhibits as familiar elements are reimagined and made new.

Creations from these workshops are presently on show in Off Centre’s Microgallery, in two parts – October 6th-19th and the 20th October until November 2nd.

Thanks to all the artists who have generously donated their time and artworks. The proceeds of sales will go towards funding future projects in John Watson’s name.

Daily opening times:
3 – 13 November, 2023
10am – 4pm

Variation to opening times:

On Monday 6 November, the exhibition will open from 1pm to 4pm.

On Thursday 9 November, the exhibition will be open from 12 noon to 4pm.

Uninnocent Landscapes is a research-based photographic investigation into the impact of invasion and dispossession on the landscape of Lutruwita/Tasmania, and the artist’s standing as a non-Indigenous person on this colonised land.

Uninnocent landscapes is a research-based photographic investigation into the impact of invasion, colonisation and dispossession on the landscape of Lutruwita/Tasmania. Without invasion and the near destruction of Lutruwita’s First People, I would not have had the opportunity to lead the rich and fulfilling life I have experienced on this island. This is a reality that, as much as we might try to ignore it, non-Indigenous Tasmanians cannot escape. How do we come to terms with our privilege and its Janus face, the violent and continuing dispossession of Palawa and Pakana.

Ten years in conception, Uninnocent Landscapes is the result of two years combining landscape photography and historical enquiry, seeking answers to the myriad questions that I found myself asking as I traced the path of George Augustus Robinson’s 1831 Big River Mission. Robinson’s ‘missions’ resulted in the removal of Lutruwita’s First People to exile at Wybalenna on Flinders Island. The questions I found myself asking included: What memories to the landscapes of Lutruwita hold? What stories are embedded in the rocks, the trees and grasses, the waters of rivers and lakes? What could the landscape tell me about invasion and the attempted destruction of First Peoples life and culture? What could it tell us about our own lives here on this island?

With Chelsea Watego’s observation that ‘on any given day, in any given place, you can guarantee that most if not all colonisers have no idea whose land they are walking, working or talking on’ (Another Day in the Colony, UQP, 2021) in mind, I sought to know this island and its First Peoples more deeply, to acknowledge their story of tens of thousands of years on this land. I do not attempt to provide a Palawa history of Lutruwita – that would be both inappropriate and impossible. Rather, the project uses monochrome photography paired with quotes from Robinson’s journals to tell one truth of our shared history and documents one of its impact on the land.

All proceeds from this exhibition and the accompanying book will be donated to the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania’s Giving Land Back fund. Giving Land Back, or donating to the fund, is one way everyone can help, knowing that land will be owned by the whole Aboriginal Community in perpetuity. You can find the Giving Land Back Program at https://www.givinglandback.org/