Showcasing the art of our region and beyond

Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) presents three exhibitions this November that look at expansive natural environments, the home in flux as a source of collaborative inspiration and the Byron Arts Magazine Art Prize – Finalist Exhibition, which will bring together an outstanding selection of contemporary art from the region and beyond.

Gallery Coordinator, Imbi Davidson, said “NRCG continues to support the development of arts in the region, through its graduate award program in partnership with Byron School of Art as well as working with Byron Arts Magazine to exhibit a national art prize in the heart of Ballina. This group of exhibitions brings together the best of our regions’ creative talent.”

Balance | Zani McEnnally

Balance is Zani McEnnally’s response to the powerful landscape of the West Macdonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory. Zani has translated the transformative experience of her time there into ceramic sculptural forms and painted compositions that reflect the inspiration and impact of this unique landscape. McEnnally’s practice has previously centred around ceramics and Balance sees her expanding into painting and mixed media.

Zani McEnnally, Balance 3, 2023

BSA 2022 Graduate Award | Wind House by Todd Clare

Presented in partnership with Byron School of Art (BSA), Wind House showcases the work of recent BSA graduate, Todd Clare, and is the outcome of his investigations into the unresolved home. Todd begins his paintings flat on the ground, exposed to fragments of sawdust and debris that fall from the renovations of his home. He mixes these materials into paint, building up thick, textural surfaces that echo the feeling of his deconstructed home. Slowly, he refines the works as though he is rebuilding, leaning into a more abstract nature of painting. Evidence of the past recedes as he sculpts and distils whilst contemplating a space that’s been lived in.

Todd Clare, A Long Time, 2023

2023 BAM Art Prize Finalist Exhibition

Presented by Byron Arts Magazine (BAM) in partnership with the Northern Rivers Community Gallery. The BAM Art Prize promotes awareness of the arts in the Northern Rivers by presenting a national art prize within the region. The exhibition showcases finalist artworks shortlisted for the 2023 prize. This non-acquisitive prize is open to all Australian artists and brings together an outstanding collection of contemporary artworks.

Winner of the 2022 BAM Art Prize, Cleo Wilkinson, Then IV, 2020

All exhibitions open Wednesday 18 October and continue until Saturday 10 December. The official exhibition launch will be held 5.30 – 7.30pm Thursday 26 October 2023.

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery is located at 44 Cherry Street Ballina and is open Wednesday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and weekends from 9.30am until 1.00pm. For further information contact the Gallery on 02 6681 0530 or visit the website.

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