Intuitive lines and intersections of light meet in two new exhibitions
03 April 2019
Gallery DownTown in the M/Arts precinct presents two new solo exhibitions by artists from the region as part of the Community Access Exhibition Program (CAEP).
Supersymmetry by Kath Egan embodies two installations exploring ideas of human interconnectivity using found object and intuitive inquiry of common materials. Incandescence by Dave Sparkes focuses on the contre-jour (into the light) perspective to create beautiful atmospheric watercolour landscapes and seascapes from the East Coast of Australia. The two exhibitions run until 12 May 2019.
Kath Egan is an installation artist working with sculpture and found objects. Graduating from the Byron Art School in 2018, Egan continues to explore materiality in response to growing up as a first generation Australian in a Croatian immigrant family. Egan says her desire is to “present a poetic and symbolic language using object and common materials to evoke compassion for those who experience longing and nostalgia for traditions, culture and lands left behind.”
Egan’s headline work, Supersymmetry uses whippens, which are fine timber structures from the internal workings of a piano, held in place by a network of red threads and anchored by a constellation of nails to evoke an idea of the unbreakable thread connecting to loved ones. An earlier work, Fragmentation, is a response to the story of the artist’s young Croatian parents fleeing post-war communist Yugoslavia. Using fallen Cuisenaire rods under empty boxes, the installations suggests a childhood left behind, and a future unknown.
Dave Sparkes made the shift to watercolour eight years ago, following a 20-year career in writing and surf photography. Intrigued by sunlight, shadow and reflections Sparkes artfully paints between impressionism and realism. Sparkes says of his work: “atmosphere and mood are for me, ultimately more important than the subject,” and cites the challenge of prioritising the feeling, light and energy of the scene as creative fuel to creating a melancholy realism within each scene.
Using the contre-jour perspective of looking into the light, Incandescence is a stunning body of work that exudes an exceptional atmospheric quality capturing the essence of favourite seascapes and landscapes from the east coast of Australia. The distinctive mood created in the watercolour paintings is accentuated using a soft and subtle palette with meticulous attention to clarity of colour. By employing various techniques, the luminosity and depth of view gives the viewer a sense of immediacy and experience of the scene.
Accompanying each work in the exhibition is a carefully worded vignette with anecdotes or musings by the artist. These words work in concert with the paintings and encourage a conversation with the viewer.
Tweed Regional Gallery Director Susi Muddiman OAM said of Supersymmetry and Incandescence: “it’s wonderful that Kath and Dave were both so enthusiastic about exhibiting their works at Gallery DownTown. We’ve been thrilled by the public’s responses to our new annexe space at the M|Arts Precinct. In programming these two new exhibitions, there’s a great synergy between the juxtaposition of two very different bodies of work. We are delighted to be offering artists of our region the opportunity to show their work at our new venue.”
In conjunction with Supersymmetry, Gallery DownTown will host a Kid’s Workshop with Kath Egan. Children (ages 6 to 12) can playfully investigate a collection of found objects on Saturday 4 May between 11 am – 1 pm. Exploring form, shape, colour placement and balance while constructing temporary sculptures and assemblages, the children take home their photographs as a record of their artworks and exploration. It’s a free activity.
Come along to the free opening event of Supersymmetry and Incandescence on Friday 12 April, from 5pm – 7pm. All are welcome to attend the opening celebration.
Showcasing works from the collection and artists from the region, Gallery DownTown is the annexe of one of NSW’s most recognised regional galleries, Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, all housed within the creative hub of Murwillumbah’s vibrant M/Arts Precinct, corner Proudfoots Lane and Brisbane Street, Murwillumbah NSW 2484.
Downloads
Photo 1(JPG, 82KB)
Caption: Kath Egan, Supersymmetry 2018. Timber, felt, cotton thread, tacks, oil on board, 900cm x 220cm. Photography by Justine Ealand.
Photo 2(JPG, 279KB)
Caption: Dave Sparkes, Barrington Tops National Park 2018. Watercolour, 60cm x 90cm. Image courtesy of the artist.