Valley artists are embracing environmental awareness for Bowraville Art Gallery’s current exhibition – recycling goods to create, well…works of art.
The ‘Recreation Exhibition’ was officially opened on June 13 with more than 100 people passing through the gallery to admire the creativity and flare of many artists.
Gallery manager Julia Morrell said the exhibition coincided with Bowraville schools’ annual Born to Read event, which this year promoted an environmental awareness theme.
Those exploring the gallery during Born to Read took the total of people through the space to more than 200 by the end of opening night, an encouraging turnout for such as small gallery, Ms Morrell said.
Many exhibition admirers during Born to Read were children, Ms Morrell said, but they proved to be the most discerning judges.
“The children took it (judging) very seriously.
“They read the labels very carefully and gave a lot of thought to their decision.”
The exhibition, which runs through to mid-July, featured two categories – ‘Art for Arts Sake’ and ‘Functional Art’.
Interesting functional pieces included a handbag made by local artist Caran Baker. Ms Baker knitted the bag using 32 recycled bread bags. Her partner, Stuart Simhousan, complemented the handbag with another bread-related accessory – a belt made from recycled bread tags.
The winners for both categories were left in the hands of the public, Ms Morrell said.
One hundred and fifty-two votes were cast and the winning piece for functional art was a cozy dog kennel weaved from strips of recycled mattress. The work, by new Bowraville resident Camilla Benechi, even featured a little pooch on opening night.
People’s choice also decided the winner for the exhibitions ‘art for art sake’ category, which was won by Anton Pflugler. Mr Pflugler’s work was in memory of the creation of Dunghutti National Park, where he lives.
He used found objects from log trucks and machinery to create his work ‘Just A Dream’.
The exhibition was the first Mr Pflugler had entered the work, which he created last year. It took three months, 60 rolls of toilet paper and 16 litres of glue to create the favourite work, which carry a “rip-rip-woodchip-turn-it-into-pa per” theme.
The special award on the night was for a commission to design and create a sculpture for the Bowraville Hinterland Extravadance event later in the year. The winner, artist Bryce Anbins (who moved here recently from Darwin with his partner and functional-art exhibition winner Camilla Benechi), received $1000 to complete the task for the October hinterland festival.
Mr Anbins was awarded the commission for his impressive sculpture of a guitar and amplifier, which was made from recycled objects such as old fence posts from Bowraville’s race course and a suitcase.
The piece, named ‘Susan – Suitcase Under Stress About Notation’, was not only intriguing, but was also a working, amplified instrument.
The pieced was judged by visiting sculptor, former local John van der Kolk, who said one of the reasons he chose the work was based on the fact it was made completely by recycled objects.
Ms Morrell said the number of creative people in the area made the exhibition opening a success.
She said it had inspired many people to create their own works from recycled goods, prompting them to insist the exhibition was established as an annual event.
Email a friend