The work of 27 artists from the Bundaberg Region is being displayed at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery as part of the HERE+Now exhibition.
The exhibition encompasses painting, drawing, photography, digital and sculptural works.
Gallery director Rebecca McDuff said that by combining these works, HERE+Now explores the relationships between these artists and the cultural landscape of the region.
“Each year the here and now exhibition provides a snapshot of what's happening within our creative community,” Rebecca said.
“From a director’s perspective, it is interesting to see the development of an artists practice from year to year, whether that be through the exploration of new materials or the adoption of new techniques.”
The exhibition comes several months after its intended opening date due to the COVID pandemic, which forced the closure of the Bundaberg Regional Art gallery and halted the HERE+Now exhibition.
That hasn’t stopped artists from creating a variety of interesting artworks and Rebecca said many were well known locally.
“John Olsen has his seahorse sculptures in this and he also has the Ceratodus piece of public art that's down the riverfront. Rebecca McPherson has a beautiful little Cuspid sculpture and she’s also just created a beautiful piece of artwork on the outside of the gallery building,” Rebecca said.
“There's lots of other artists who you'll see are working in other spaces as well, so it's great to see them all in the exhibition.”
Celebrating the strong and vibrant visual arts practices that exist in the Bundaberg region, HERE+Now 2020 provides an annual snapshot of our creative community.
This is the exhibition’s second year and Rebecca said while much of the artwork is upbeat and positive, she looks forward to next year’s interpretation following COVID.
“This year, of course, has been particularly difficult across the globe for many within the arts community, with the closing of galleries, theatres and workshop spaces. “
“This exhibition was actually meant to be with us in May of this year, but due to our closure has only now been installed. The works, however, were created prior to the pandemic.”
“There is a fluidity in an artistic practice – that means that the lens through which they are viewing the world is subjective and therefore embedded in the current day. I think it will be interesting to see next year's year HERE+Now exhibition and how the events of 2020 are reflected,” Rebecca said.
The HERE+Now exhibition opens to the public from Friday, 30 October and runs through until 17 January. An art walk with some of the artists and Rebecca will take place on 18 November from 10.30am.
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