Exploring the REGION through Art

 I was thrilled to be invited to exhibit at a group show at Burra Regional Gallery for an exhibition simply entitled REGION. The exhibition would feature the works of four local artists but also include a broader selection of art pieces from the local art community. What particularly attracted me to the exhibition was the opportunity to explore the concept of ‘region’ and explore aspects of the environment that continues to inspire artists from the mid-north of South Australia.

In featuring my works for this exhibition, I found myself reflecting upon the term ‘region’ and how it might be interpreted within an art context.  There is of course the popular notion of a region being loosely defined as territories or sectors within the physical landscape, often denoted by certain recognisable features. Yet I would consider the term to be far less specific than that and one that has a distinctly softer edge.  For me the term ‘region’ suggests a comfortable sense of approximation that is determined by a certain degree of personal interpretation. Of course parallels could be made here with the creative process as well as the imperfect nature of art itself.  Each implies a lack of a definable boundary or a line to be crossed, with rather a more casual sense of being ‘thereabouts’.  This blurry notion of place allows for a natural and intuitive sense of appreciation. With this we permit ourselves the opportunity to respond instinctively to our environment and to transcend time through both recognition and memory.

The exhibition itself includes a lovely collection of pieces and much as I expected provides a vastly different interpretations of the theme. Each artist in their own unique way explores the the intrinsic qualities of the region through both time and space.

a 'salon' style presentation of my collection of works

'The Deepest Cut of All' - it is very apt that the Burra 'monster' mine is just
around the corner from the gallery