New exhibitions explore interaction, collaboration and mystery

Noosa Regional Gallery unveils three new exhibitions on October 22, showcasing the work of four artists.

Pas de Deux, an exhibition by Fiona Dempster and Susan Bowers, explores collaboration in the form of more than 70 books.

“Artists’ books are a varied and accessible way for the community to view and explore art. While offering the familiarity of the book form, they provide new and refreshing creative and artistic dimensions,” Noosa Regional Gallery Director Nina Shadforth says.

The collaborative works appear alongside the artists’ individual pieces so the viewer can appreciate their similarities and differences.

Ken Munsie’s interactive Open and Closed exhibition is an example of “rescued assemblage”, featuring timber, rusted metal, glass and other found objects.

The artist says the chosen materials all have previous lives, were discarded, rescued and then re-worked to create individual pieces.

Ms Shadforth says each piece is themed on “chambers”, which invite the viewer to interact by opening the door to reveal the story within.

“These are artworks not just designed to sit on a shelf or hang on a wall, but also they invite the viewer to connect with the art, both by looking into the piece and using their imagination to read the story as it is unlocked by their actions,” she says.

Local artist Anne Harris takes materials from the natural environment, hoarded treasures and knowledge of days gone by, to tell the story of the everyday in her exhibition Notions of an Ordinary Yarn.

“Anne’s passion for the environment shines through in her work. With this exhibition she encourages us to rethink the value of the unwanted,” Ms Shadforth says.

All three exhibitions open October 22, with an official opening from 6pm, Friday, 23 October at Noosa Regional Gallery. All are welcome.

For more information contact Noosa Regional Gallery on (07) 5329 6145.

20 October 2015