Event Type: Free

Catherine Stringer

28 September – 8 October 2023


Opening event:

Friday 29 September – 5:30pm-7:30pm

Catherine’s exhibition will be opened by Seán Kelly. 

Seán is a Curator, Arts Writer and Re-emerging Artist.

Daily Opening Times :

9.30am – 5pm daily (Closing at 4pm on the final day)

Ocean Windows presents a series of luminous seaweed paper artworks inspired by the traditional rose windows of Gothic cathedrals and the universal symbolism of the circle.

‘Ocean Windows’ combines the delicate translucent textures of seaweed paper with the timeless appeal of traditional stained glass windows. Inspiration is drawn from the ornate rose windows that adorn European Gothic cathedrals, and the universal symbolism of the circle.

Tasmanian artist Catherine Stringer has been researching the making of paper from seaweed for over 10 years. This series represents a significant progression in her seaweed papermaking practice, with the development of new techniques and themes.

The artworks in ‘Ocean Windows’ are all circular in design and depict various marine themes. Each one is constructed from many different seaweed papers, handmade from a wide range of Tasmanian seaweeds. They are framed and displayed in a manner which allows light to filter though from behind, illuminating and enlivening the images.

The circle’s symbolic significance has traversed diverse cultures and religions throughout history, embodying themes of unity, wholeness and the cyclical nature of existence. It is evident in prehistoric petroglyphs and megalithic structures, the Eastern Yin-Yang symbol, the Native American medicine wheel, Celtic knots, and in the religious mandalas of Hinduism and Buddhism.

More recently, Jungian psychology recognises the circle as a powerful archetype originating in the collective unconscious. Jung saw mandalas as portals to the inner world, and manifestations of the psyche’s efforts to integrate and balance the conscious and unconscious aspects of the self. Meditating on mandalas was thought to promote self-discovery, healing and personal transformation.

The intricate stained glass panels within the awe inspiring rose windows of Christian cathedrals often depict spiritual themes and religious teachings. However the geometrical design and powerful radiant light mediate a profound effect on the viewer which transcends words. They can be viewed as metaphorical gateways between earthly and heavenly realms and expressions of humankind’s highest aspirations towards wholeness and coherence. They continue to resonate with viewers today, surpassing cultural boundaries and speaking to the deepest aspects of human experience and spirituality.

The seaweed paper artworks in ‘Ocean Windows’ meld organic materials with spiritual inspiration, tradition with innovation. Although not of the scale or grandeur of the Gothic rose windows they share their luminosity and circular design. Similarly, these ‘windows to the deep’ may allude to things that are ‘beneath the surface’ or usually hidden from view, but the ethereal evocative imagery promotes an initial visceral or intuitive response and invites contemplation and reflection.

Andrea Jordan & Sallee Warner

15 – 25 September 2023


Opening event:

September 15 – 5pm

Daily Opening Times :

Weekdays 10 – 4pm
Saturday 9.30am -4.00pm
Sunday 10am – 4.00pm
Monday 25th September 10.00 am – 4.00pm

STILL is an exhibition by Andrea Jordan, painter and Sallee Warner, ceramicist, revealing the humanity and beauty found in the simple objects of everyday life.

STILL

    Andrea Jordan Painting

    Sallee Warner Ceramics

This exhibition is a collaboration between two good friends: a painter, Andrea Jordan and a ceramicist, Sallee Warner, exploring a common approach in our separate disciplines. We share a love of art that is quiet and dignified, with intrinsic humanity and beauty. These qualities are reflected in the work that we each bring to this exhibition.

    Andrea:

The paintings are intended to be calm, quiet and contemplative – a still life, investigating the intrinsic value of everyday objects and celebrating the human touch. I have long admired that quality in Sallee’s ceramics, some of which can be found in my paintings.

I surround myself in the studio with my paintings and other collections, taking pleasure in composing the subjects and exploring the contribution of their shadows, seeking balance and harmony in the conversations between subject, lighting and shadow.

I have developed the techniques employed in these paintings over many years, based originally on those of the master painters of the Renaissance.

The simplicity of subject matter in these paintings and the calming, muted colour palette allow the objects to speak quietly of their worth.

    Sallee:

“Something beautiful to behold in the form of an object you can use.”

My work is about making purposeful pots, using soft clay thrown on the pottery wheel, enhancing the throwing lines and ridges that reside in the memory of the making.

The simplicity of the form engages you not only in the function of the vessel, but in the unique textural quality of being handmade.

Things, things that we use every day surround us. By bringing this concept to the table and experiencing the contact of living with and using hand made pots we can elevate the ordinariness.

While using hand made pots you may notice a signature, maybe a shell imprint, subtle contours and character of forms. Traces of knowing it has been considered and thought through.

You may even know the maker, bringing a little bit of joy into your day.

Presented by Anna Brooks

Daily opening times:

September 21 – October 2, 2023

9.30am – 5pm
Closing at 2pm on October 2

This exhibition explores the impact of bushfire on vegetation and landscapes and aims to evoke a sense of ecological distress.

I have tried to distil my own experiences of being in burnt areas… charred trunks, blackened soils, smoke-laden air, and the ground naked of vegetation so that the rocks and geology show more definitively.  For me, burned landscapes evoke a sense of loss and sadness, of unease at the known world made unfamiliar, and empathy for the burned and maimed trees.

Australia is one of the most bushfire-prone continents and bushfires are culturally and environmentally significant.  In south-eastern Australia, the frequency and intensity of fires has increased since the 1950s and scientists predict this increase will continue due to climate change.  News stories focus on the effect of fires on people.  However, frequent and severe bushfires also seriously alter natural ecosystems, and will likely contribute to loss of species, and reduced genetic diversity.

Shanshan Ai and Xingming Wu

7 – 13 September 2023


Opening event:

7 September – 6.30pm

Daily Opening Times :

9am – 6pm daily

‘Entangled in Movement’ is an exhibition explores the connections between migration and traditional art memory. The exhibition brings together two artists to exploring these themes. Shanshan’s work focuses on the relationship between weeds and migrants, while Xingming remaining memory of Chinese painting to explore the concept of movement and migration.

Entangled in Movement: An Exploration of Beauty of Migration and Remembering

Overview:

‘Entangled in Movement’ is a group art exhibition that explores the connections between migration and traditional art memory. The exhibition brings together two artists, each with their unique approach to exploring these themes. One artist’s work focuses on the relationship between weeds and migrants, while the other employs remaining memory of Chinese painting to explore the concept of movement and migration.

Artists:

-Artist 1: Shanshan Ai, works are inspired by the idea that aims to explore a psychological expectation of migrants who survive harmoniously in the host country, in a similar manner as introduced weeds. This examination of migrancy and exotic plants, in the form of art might foster the emplacement and emotional identity of people who are living far from home.The artist creates intricate, layered compositions that invoke canvas materials and installation to create a sense of beauty and strength. Trying to find a close and positive connection which brings harmonious coexistence and mutual benefit, which are exists in both plants and humans. The artworks exploring the meaning of our existence and the direction of our common development.

-Artist 2: Xingming Wu, specializes in traditional Chinese ink painting techniques to explore the concept of dust-laden treasure and migration. The artists’ works are inspired by the ancient Chinese tradition of literati painting, which emphasizes the importance of the artist’s personal expression and interpretation.

Although across culture the art still rooted the traditional methods to bring art form in contemporary concept. Through delicate brushstrokes and subtle use of colour, the artist creates ethereal character that convey a sense of fluidity, motion and unfailing manner.

Exhibition Design:

The exhibition is designed to create a sense of beauty and eternity, a way of movement and flow, with the artworks arranged in a way that encourages visitors to explore the space two artists’ works. The exhibition space will be divided into two sections, with each artist’s works displayed in its own area. The First section will feature the mixed materials works of Artist 1 (Shanshan Ai), while the second section will showcase the traditional Chinese ink paintings of Artist 2 (Xingming Wu).

Conclusion:

‘Entangled in Movement’ is a thought-provoking exhibition that invites visitors to explore the connections between migration and traditional art techniques. By bringing together two artists with their unique perspectives on these themes, the exhibition offers a rich and nuanced exploration of beauty, movement, growth, precious value and human experience.

纠缠在迁移中：移民之美与回忆的探索

概述

“纠缠在迁移中”是一个两位中国艺术家的联展。展览目的在于探索移民以及传统艺术记忆之间的联系。这次展览的艺术家一位毕业于清华大学美术学院，任美术编辑多年。一位任教于中国美术学院。两位后又同时毕业于塔斯马尼亚大学艺术学院绘画系，师从同导，分别获得艺术硕士与艺术博士学位。

两位艺术家用各自不同的独特的方法来探索同一个主题——移民。一位艺术家的作品关注杂草和移民之间的关系，另一位则利用移民之后的记忆探索迁移和移民的概念。

艺术家1：艾姗姗

作品的灵感来自于一个旨在探索在东道国和谐生存的移民的心理期望——就像引进的杂草一样。这种以艺术的形式对迁移和外来植物的研究，希冀促进生活在远离家乡的人们对身份的认同以及情感的依托。艺术家创造了繁密分层的作品，援引画布材料和装置来创造一种美丽和力量的感觉传递。试图找到一种紧密和积极的联系，带来存在于植物和人类， 不同种族之间和谐共存和互利。艺术家的作品探索了我们存在的意义和我们共同发展的方向。

艺术家2：吴兴明

用中国传统水墨技术探索尘封宝藏和迁徙的概念。艺术家的作品的灵感来自于传统中国古代文人画，强调了艺术家个人表达和诠释精神的重要性。

虽然跨越了文化，但艺术仍然植根于传统的方法，艺术家将艺术形式带入当代的概念中。通过精致的笔触和对色彩的微妙运用，创造了空灵的气质，传达了一种流动性、运动和永不停歇的艺术表达。

余音

“纠缠在迁移中”是一个发人深省的艺术展览，它诚邀观众共同感受，探索移民和传统艺术技术之间的联系。

通过两位艺术家将各自对这个主题的独特视角结合在一起，展览展现了对美丽、迁移、成长、曾经的珍贵价值，当下的贡献和人类体验的丰富而细致的探索。

Presented by Stitching and Beyond Inc

Opening times:
22 Sept – 2 Oct, 2023
10-4pm

Exceptions
Monday 2 Oct 10.00 am – 3.00 pm

Stitching and Beyond’s biennial exhibition celebrating the creative works of its members.

An exhibition by members of Stitching and Beyond showcasing the diverse and innovative approaches members have to fibre and textile arts. Stitching and Beyond is a diverse group of textile artists exploring innovative approaches to textiles, fibre and mixed media arts. The exhibition is inclusive and open to all Stitching and Beyond members, whether they be professional or amateur artists.

Textile art in all its forms will be on display, including functional, decorative, fine and wearable works. A Curator’s and 6 People’s Choice awards are on offer. Visitors can enjoy live demonstrations and member attendants will be on hand to assist with visitor queries regarding exhibitors and their works, fibre art processes and practices, and group membership.

The popular ‘Member Challenge’ pieces for 2022 and 2023 will be displayed alongside the exhibition. In 2022 the theme was ‘Threads of Life’ and in 2023 it was ‘Under the Microscope’. The 2022 Challenge pieces will be returning from its year travelling around regional Tasmania and the 2023 exhibit will be beginning its journey around the state.

Presented by Stitching and Beyond Inc

A wonderful display of colourful and creative birds created by members of Stitching and Beyond to herald the coming of our Biennial Out of Hand exhibition.

Every two years Stitching and Beyond hold an exhibition to showcase the wonderful work of its member textile artists. Stitching and Beyond is a diverse group of textile artists exploring innovative approaches to textiles, fibre and mixed media arts. The Out of Hand exhibition is inclusive and open to all Stitching and Beyond members, whether they be professional or amateur artists.

Leading up to the Out of Hand exhibition, Stitching and Beyond create a themed display for the LightBox to help promote the exhibition. In 2023 the theme is Birds. This theme came about because many of our members were creating such beautiful birds and we decided that they needed to be displayed. The birds and nests on display are created from a variety of techniques and materials. Many are made from recycled fabric and other materials.

Presented by Jay Sykes

Opening event:

31 August 2023, 6:00PM

Daily opening times:

1 – 25 September, 2023

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Variations to Daily Opening Times :

Closed Sundays

“In and Out of Focus” addresses emotion, visual impairment, memory and landscape, presenting oil paintings of Tasmanian scenes that are both emotionally in and visually out of focus.

“In and Out of Focus” addresses emotion, visual impairment, memory and landscape. The pieces involved are both emotionally in and visually out of focus – the brushstrokes are intended the capture the enigmatic ‘feel’ of a landscape, where as the departure from realism hints at the fuzzy appearance of a scene viewed without visual aids.

The medium of oils was chosen because of its tendency to build a three-dimensional surface for a two-dimensional work, lending a kind of realism to even extremely abstract depictions. Oil paint also has the advantage of extremely evident brushstrokes, which have been executed differently for each landscape to represent the emotional quality of the place. This technique also hints at the ‘texture’ with which short-sighted eyes perceive the world around them, which is always the impression left in the artist’s brain.

Among complete paintings are unfinished works, ‘fallen’ to the floor, some with only a fraction of the canvas covered in paint. This is intended to add to the impression that the exhibition occurs somewhere within the artist’s mind, the unfinished pieces representing the degradation of memory over time.

Presented by The Art Society of Tasmania

8 – 17 September 2023

OPENING NIGHT

September 8, 2023 – 6pm

Speakers: Her Excellency, The Honourable Barbara Baker, Governor of Tasmania

OPENING HOURS

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

This exhibition features recent works in all mediums and styles by members of the Art Society of Tasmania

The Art Society of Tasmania has been a key player in promoting art and artists in Tasmania for 139 years, making it one of the oldest art societies in Australia.

Artists have the opportunity to share their work at the Lady Franklin Gallery in Lenah Valley each weekend.  With a growing active membership this beautiful unique space could not accommodate the art work of all those who want to be part of the Annual Exhibition, hence the use of the Long Gallery which is a perfect exhibition venue.

The Art Society artists range from professionals to very skilled and talented recreational artists who work in all mediums, including oils, acrylics, watercolour, pastel, printmaking, photography, ceramics, 3D work and textiles.

Daily opening times:
1 – 30 September, 2023
10am – 4pm

A contemplative journey of abstract landscape paintings by Hannah Blackmore.

In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, we often find ourselves yearning for moments of serenity, for a chance to pause, and simply breathe. In Breathe, my upcoming exhibition of contemplative landscapes, I draw inspiration from the principles of minimalism, embracing the notion of creating space by shedding the superfluous and embracing what truly matters.

Within the canvas, I strive to capture the essence of calmness, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a tranquil world where simplicity reigns supreme. Through my exploration of landscapes and seascapes, I seek to liberate the viewer’s mind by introducing ample white space, providing room for contemplation and introspection.

Warm, neutral tones and pristine whites become the focal point of my latest body of work, as I embark on a journey away from vivid blues. I eagerly delve into new techniques, refining my palette knife work to create textural intricacies and employing pencils to introduce delicate linear marks that dance across the surface.

Every stroke, every shade is carefully orchestrated to evoke a profound emotional connection with the audience, guiding them towards an oasis of inner peace. The absence of explicit geographical references allows each viewer to weave their own narrative, transcending physical locations to reach a realm of pure emotion and self-reflection.

As I draw inspiration from the ethereal Tasmanian light that has captivated my senses since my arrival, the paintings radiate with a subtle familiarity, an echo of the tranquillity that resides in the depths of nature. Organic shapes and layered compositions, constructed through thin washes of paint, form the foundation of each piece. Gradually, the paintings unfold into areas of thicker palette knife work, beckoning the viewer to embark on a journey of intrigue and exploration.

Within these contemplative landscapes, a profound sense of solitude beckons, inviting the viewer to stand in that space, peer into the horizon, and connect with their own inner stillness. Each artwork becomes a portal to escape the relentless cacophony of the outside world, offering solace and an opportunity to reconnect with the essence of existence.

Breathe is an invitation to let go, to release the burdens that weigh us down, and to immerse ourselves in the purity of simplicity. It is a reminder that amidst the chaotic hum of life, we can always find moments of tranquillity if we pause, take a breath, and embrace the space within.

Join me on this contemplative journey through abstract landscapes, and together, let us find solace in the art of breathing.

Presented by Rick Crossland

Daily opening times:

September 7 – 18, 2023

9am – 6pm

“A diverse collection of images that suddenly caught my eye, that I found beautiful, transformed by the light and atmosphere at that time. The scene can change ‘In the Blink of an Eye’ but in my paintings I try to catch an impression, a memory of time and place.”

Whilst trying my luck at fishing on a family holiday on Flinders Island I caught sight of the late afternoon light on the waves. It was breathtaking. I dropped the rod and ran to the car to grab my easel and painting gear to record the image before the light changed. I had to work fast as the sun dropped behind the dunes at the back of the beach. ‘In the Blink of an Eye’ the scene had changed but luckily, I had caught an impression, a memory, a feeling of that particular time and place.

This exhibition is a collection of plein air work done over the year at various places, coastal, rural and urban in Tasmania, including Flinders Island. Despite the many challenges of plein air painting – fickle weather, tides that can’t be controlled, light that is always changing and curious passers-by, I prefer to paint in front of my subject. All the answers are there in front of you, you see people and stuff you just can’t invent. It’s always about the effects of light. I must work fast to capture the image before the conditions change and for that reason, most of my paintings in the exhibition will be small. However, some of the collection will be larger paintings that required repeat visits to the same location, when the conditions were similar.

The subjects are diverse, images that suddenly caught my eye, that I found beautiful, transformed by the light and atmosphere at that time. I want to convey to the viewer the real colours, mood and feeling of the place or object. The way I paint is very challenging. However, I love it and get tremendous joy when others connect with my paintings and ‘see’.