Regional artists reimagine Murwillumbah’s Art Deco heritage

14 May 2019

New exhibition opens at Gallery DownTown in time for the Murwillumbah Arts Trail

Thirty regional artists have drawn inspiration from the architecture and design of Murwillumbah as part of a new exhibition, Façade: Art Deco of Murwillumbah.

Hosted by Gallery DownTown, the annexe of the Tweed Regional Gallery in the vibrant M|Arts Precinct, Façade: Art Deco of Murwillumbah will open to the public on Thursday 16 May 2019.

The exhibition complements the National Gallery of Australia’s touring exhibition Art Deco from the National Collection: The world turns modern, which will be on display at the Tweed Regional Gallery from 31 May.

First appearing in France prior to World War I, the Art Deco style influenced the design of jewellery, fashion, furniture and vehicles, alongside all manner of everyday objects.

Ruth Della, Curator at Gallery Downtown said that artists responded enthusiastically to the Expression of Interest for the exhibition put out by the gallery.

“There was such a great response and we’re thrilled so many artists embraced this theme. It’s wonderful that the Art Deco features have been discovered and reinterpreted by artists from our region. This exhibition will be a great complement to the NGA’s touring exhibition, and really highlight some stunning features of Murwillumbah,” she said.

Façade: Art Deco of Murwillumbah will present 43 artworks by 30 artists as an ensemble of mediums and methods. This dynamic and expressive collection of works will inform and impress as artists show their own perspective and interpretation of Art Deco. The works include paintings, works on paper, sculpture, jewellery, photography, decorative arts, digital art and design.

The opening of Façade coincides with the Murwillumbah Arts Trail (MAT19), as the perfect milieu for visitors to experience works by artists of the region and to see first-hand the delightful Art Deco features of the M|Arts Precinct and Gallery DownTown.

Gallery DownTown invites you to discover art inspired by the town of Murwillumbah at the Official Opening on Friday 17 May from 5pm – 7pm at 1 Brisbane Street, Murwillumbah. All are welcome to attend the opening celebrations.

Downloads

Photo 1(JPG, 34KB)

Caption: Chelle Wallace, The Toilet Door 2019. Archival cotton rag inkjet photographic print, 42cm x 59cm. Image supplied by artist.

Photo 2(JPG, 115KB)

Caption: Tim Fry, The Regent Full of Memories 2019. Biro and Paint Pen on Cardboard, 90cm x 82cm. Image supplied by artist.