From delicate hand-painted ceramic figures to bold abstract pieces, a unique set of works are on display as the Inverell Art Gallery hosts a contemporary exhibition for the first time.
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Featuring the work of eight different artists, the show, which runs until Wednesday, March 14, gives a glimpse of the rich world of modern art according to curators Melissa Simmonds and Christina Smith.
“We were quite interested in doing something that was a bit younger, a bit fresher,” Ms Smith said.
“There’s different styles. They’re not all the same, but it was just about finding things that worked together. That harmonised, complimented each other.”
Ms Simmonds, whose own pieces feature, said she felt contemporary art was about pushing boundaries past traditional, more photo-realistic styles.
“Other things come into play more heavily, like composition. I think it’s important for people to acknowledge that contemporary abstract art doesn’t mean my four-year-old could do it. It is actually the opposite of that. It’s the hardest kind of art I’ve ever tried to do,” she said.
“The simpler a painting looks, the harder it is to achieve something that’s appealing.”
Mrs Simmonds’ powerful portraits explore the strengths women have within themselves, and through their relationships with one another.
“I have two daughters and I’m very passionate about them understanding that their abilities are limitless, and I think I’m exploring that a bit more,” she said.
“The one eye showing and the one not, it’s a bit like ‘I’m here and I’m present and I’m seeing, but I’m still protecting at the same time.’”
She said it was “fabulous” to share the limelight with other artists.
Mrs Simmonds’ work will join the landscapes of last year’s Inverell Art Prize winner Caroline McCosker and colourful abstract paintings by Tracey Buxton from Cherry Tree Hill.
Ceramic work from Yetman’s Angela Edwards makes a statement, along with that of Japanese-Australian ceramicist Erinswindow, whose pieces are almost sold out.
North Star’s Kate Owen and Trangie’s Lottie Rae are both making their exhibition debut in Inverell. Warrick’s Nikki Malone, whose floral pieces complete the display, held a sold out workshop after the official opening.
