Autumn exhibitions explore identity, portraiture and mindfulness

Four exhibitions celebrate diversity and provide a visual feast

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 from next week as part of the Gallery’s exciting 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 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,” Ms Hedgcock said.

“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.

The captivating 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. Collectively the works interrogate ideas of self through the use of portraiture, movement and the body as a form of visual storytelling.

“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,” Ms Hedgcock said.

Patron Saint of Lap Dogs

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. The discussion will be hosted by celebrated Aboriginal journalist, broadcaster, documentary maker, sound artist and writer, Daniel Browning. Event ticket 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.

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. Her 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 AEDT. Bookings are essential via the Gallery website. Guests are invited to enjoy a pre-drink with spectacular views from the Apex Dining balcony before the official opening commences. Dinner reservations are to be made online via the Apex Dining website.

synergy: identity, portraiture and the moving body will be on display from Saturday 9 March until Sunday 19 May 2024.

Looking Back There Were Signs by Samuel Leighton-Dore will be on display from Friday 8 March until Sunday 26 May 2024.

Portraits of Sound by Trish Tait will be on display from Friday 8 March until Sunday 26 May 2024.

Slow, Motions by Emily Ebbs will be on display from Saturday 9 March until Sunday 30 June 2024.

Sue Healey still from On View: Hong Kong, 2016-17. Digital projection. Image courtesy the artist ©The artist. BELOW: Atong Atem. Patron Saint of Lap Dogs, 2022, 90 x 60 cm. Image courtesy of MARS and the artist. Atong Atem is represented by MARS Gallery, Melbourne.

Public Programs (All times are AEDT)

Synergy Panel Discussion hosted by Daniel Browning 
Friday 8 March | 5 – 6 pm | $25 
Join Daniel Browning for a panel discussion with exhibiting artists Atong Atem, Gerwyn Davies, Tim Georgeson, and Sue Healey. Enjoy a drink on arrival and be the first to see the exhibition. Stay afterwards for our Autumn Opening Celebrations.
Tickets on sale Friday 16 February via: gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

Autumn Opening Celebrations
Friday 8 March | 6.15 pm for 6.30 pm speeches | Free 
Join us for the opening celebrations for synergy: identity, portraiture and the moving body – a group exhibition with exhibiting artists Atong Atem, Gerwyn Davies, Tim Georgeson, and Sue Healey, Looking Back There Were Signs by Samuel Leighton-Dore, Portraits of Sound by Trish Tait, and Slow, Motions by Emily Ebbs. Bookings essential via gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

Vinyl Listening Session with Trish Tait
Sunday 17 March | 2 – 4 pm | Free
Join Trish Tait at the Gallery for a relaxed afternoon in conjunction with the exhibition Portraits of Sound.  Listen to the artist’s selection of vinyl while creating your own record cover with materials provided. No bookings required.

Gallery Playdate
Wednesday 3 April | 9.30 – 10.30 am | Free
Fun, art-making session for children aged six months to five years and their carers. Based on the exhibition, Looking Back There Were Signs by artist Samuel Leighton-Dore. The session uses creative play to develop imagination and skill. Bookings essential via gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

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