Theatre and Visual Arts Come Together in New Exhibition
24 April 2018
Artist Andrew Antoniou’s ‘Curtain Call’ exhibition explores the genre of Absurdist Theatre
Curtain Call, an exhibition of paintings, drawings and etchings by Sydney-based artist Andrew Antoniou, will be on display at Tweed Regional Gallery from Friday 27 April until Sunday 7 October 2018.
Curtain Call relates to Antoniou’s immersion into the world of theatre, particularly that of the Absurdist movement.
Gallery Director, Susi Muddiman OAM said in this confined and constructed space we are allowed to focus on the drama of the human condition that is illuminated by unnatural light and given force by plot and characterisation.
“This significant body of work is based on Andrew’s ongoing research and engagement with the concepts of Absurdist Theatre,” Ms Muddiman said.
“The translation of these ideas through an accessible visual art form will allow viewers to engage with a new, yet timeless expression of a theatrical tradition that is increasingly relevant to the challenges faced in an often confusing contemporary world.”
Born in the United Kingdom in 1951, Antoniou studied at Harrow School of Art, Winchester School of Art and the Central School of Art , London before emigrating to Australia in 1986 where he taught drawing in art schools and universities across New South Wales.
Antoniou has held a number of solo exhibitions at commercial galleries within Australia and internationally, and his work is represented in National and State collections in Australia and the UK.
Mr Antoniou said within the work there are a series of recurring themes of a theatrical nature, including time, mortality, love, ritual, conflict and notions of magic and transformation.
“I see and express these concepts through figuration (cast), spacial composition (stage set) and narrative flow (script),” Mr Antoniou said.
“I work with the idea of a cast of characters and develop their roles in successive pieces to enable the viewer to see the possibilities of this approach in the telling of a story.”
Curtain Call is complemented by the inclusion of Antoniou’s 2006 etching Costume drama, in the current exhibition of works from the Gallery’s collection titled Go Figure.
This dynamic print was acquired by the Gallery as the Winner of the Friends of the Gallery Acquisitive Award through the CPM National Print Awards in 2007.
The Official Opening celebrations will take place on Friday 25 May 2018 at 6.00pm, alongside Subdivision: Georgie Maddox.
A series of public programs will also take place in conjunction with the exhibition, including:
· An exhibition talk with Andrew Antoniou on Friday 15 June 2018 at 2.00pm.
· An adult drawing workshop ‘Drawing From The Imagination with Andrew Antoniou’ on Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 June 2018 at 10.30am - 4.30pm each day ($175)
· A drop-in performance ‘In the Moment’ with DoubleMask Theatre on Sunday 19 August 2018 from 2.00pm.
Andrew Antoniou is represented by Australian Galleries, Melbourne and Sydney.
Image credits:
Andrew Antoniou, Let’s Dance 2016, charcoal on paper, 100 x 124cm © The artist
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Caption: Andrew Antoniou, Let’s Dance 2016, charcoal on paper, 100 x 124cm