The Tweed Regional Gallery is rolling out its Summer program of exhibitions, with three diverse new displays open to the public from Friday 2 December.
A feature exhibition Flowing Everywhere and Always by Northern Rivers artist, Lindy Lee, is the latest in her impressive ouevre. Heralded as one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists, Lee’s practice explores her Chinese ancestry through Taoism and Ch’an (Zen) Buddhism – philosophies that see humanity and nature as inextricably linked. The exhibition contemplates our connection with nature and includes new work informed by Lee’s surroundings in her adopted home of the Northern Rivers.
“It wasn’t until moving to the Northern Rivers almost 8 years ago, that I finally felt as though I had arrived home,” Lee said.
“The majesty of this region proffers daily observation of the horizon – that mysterious liminal realm that exists between heaven and earth.”
Lee’s connection with nature informs her work. She is known for using rain and fire as sources of mark-making.
Tweed Regional Gallery Director Susi Muddiman OAM said: “We are delighted to include Lindy in our program of exhibitions and showcase her new work that has been made in response to our beautiful region. I think both regional and travelling visitors will be intrigued by her use of the elements, and experience the exhibition as a source of wonderment.”
Lee’s exhibition includes a series of scrolls, ‘rain works’, sculptures, and a not-to-be-missed room-scale installation.
In an adjoining gallery space is Stories I’ve Been Told by the inaugural Byron School of Art graduate recipient, Shanti Des Fours. Her exhibition explores themes of cultural identity and belonging through an examination of childhood memories growing up in an alternative religious community in rural NSW. The exhibition includes a series of self-portrait photographs, echoing uncertainty and fragmentations of her past.
“Through my work I am seeking to understand how my formative experience has shaped who I have become,” Des Fours said.
Des Fours received the graduate award in 2021. She has continued her exploration through this body of work developed for the Tweed Regional Gallery.
The third exhibition in the Gallery’s Summer changeover is a story of connection, collaboration, co-operation and cultural continuance titled In the Grey: The Saltwater Story by Benjamin Allmon and David Kelly.
The exhibition documents author Benjamin Allmon’s voyage of discovery with Bundjalung canoe-maker Kyle Slabb and local Indigenous communities, as they set out in traditional canoes from the heart of the Gold Coast to North Stradbroke Island to conquer a journey not made for more than 100 years.
“What started as my attempt to educate myself has became something far bigger,” said Allmon, whose story now features in a fully-illustrated book The Saltwater Story along with 177 photos by renowned photographer David Kelly. A feature-length documentary by award-winning director Jeff Licence, has also been produced in response to the project.
The Tweed Regional Gallery exhibition features the canoe crafted and paddled by young Bundjalung, Yugambeh, and Quandamooka men, photographs by artist David Kelly who accompanied the paddlers on their epic journey, and the feature documentary played on loop every third Sunday throughout the duration of the exhibition.
“The exhibitions demonstrate the deep connection artists have to both culture and identity and we’re proud to support the connections that have been made on personal, cultural and community-based levels,” Ms Muddiman said.
“The two photographic exhibitions provide visitors with different approaches to documentation and both have unique stories told within.”
All exhibitions are on display now and will continue until Sunday 26 February 2023.
Public Programs
Lindy Lee Artist Floortalk | Friday 9 December 5.15 pm – 6 pm DST | $8/$10
The Gallery is delighted to host a special Artist Floortalk with Lindy Lee for her exhibition Flowing Everywhere and Always. Places are limited. Bookings essential –
December Opening Celebrations | Friday 9 December | 6 – 8 pm DST | Free
The Gallery welcomes you to opening celebrations for Flowing Everywhere and Always by Lindy Lee; In the Grey: The Saltwater Story by Benjamin Allmon and David Kelly; and Stories I’ve Been Told by Shanti Des Fours. Guest speakers include Uncle Victor Slockee, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor OBE, and artist and educator Travis Paterson. Official Opening 6 pm DST for speeches at 6.30 pm. Light refreshments provided. Bookings recommended –
The Saltwater Story Film Screening and Panel Discussion | Saturday 10 December 2022 | 5 – 7 pm | $10
Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah
Join author Benjamin Allmon, photographer David Kelly, director Jeff Licence and special guests as they discuss the voyage of discovery with Bundjalung canoe-maker Kyle Slabb and local Indigenous communities, as they set out in traditional canoes from the heart of the Gold Coast to North Stradbroke Island, a journey not made for more than 100 years. Bookings recommended –
