Two new exhibitions open at Gallery DownTown

02 March 2020

Regional artists’ solo work on show in Murwillumbah CBD

Gallery DownTown, the annexe of Tweed Regional Gallery, will present two new solo exhibitions by regional artists from Wednesday 11 March.

Lismore-based artist Rhonda Armistead will exhibit Homestead of my Dreams alongside Subverting the Dominant Paradigm by fellow Lismore artist Tim Fry.

Homestead of my Dreams journeys along the backroads and highways to discover the lost, abandoned and still-standing old buildings and sheds in a body of work that features paintings and drypoint engravings.

Armistead’s paintings give viewers a sense of place, while her drypoint engravings provide a more intimate look into the spaces and a understanding of how these buildings become part of the landscape.

Armistead said the exhibition is a journey of heritage and history, of distant memories and sentimental reminiscences.

“Look beyond the melancholy stillness of the properties that have been left to turn to dust but still hold elements of beauty in their crumbling exteriors and interiors,” she said.

Tim Fry is a contemporary artist working primarily in drawing and ceramic sculpture. Subverting the Dominant Paradigm is a selection of drawn and painted still life images and ceramic sculptures that explore the dialogue between traditional male stereotypes and contemporary alternatives.

“The pieces in this body of work have built up over time, as an ongoing conversation between myself and society about what it is to be a man today,” Fry said.

Tools, cars, guns and mountains act as symbolic protagonists in this dialogue between conventional masculinity and a brave new world of male integrity.

Tweed Regional Gallery Director Susi Muddiman OAM said: “We are thrilled to present these two artists as part of the Community Access Exhibitions Program at Gallery DownTown. Rhonda and Tim each have their own distinct visual language and I’m sure audiences will really connect with these engaging concepts and appreciate their art practice.”

All are welcome to attend the opening celebrations of Homestead of my Dreams and Subverting the Dominant Paradigm on Friday 13 March from 5-7pm (DST) at Gallery DownTown.

On Saturday 18 April, 10am-2pm, drop into Gallery DownTown to observe artist Tim Fry as he creates mixed media drawings and gain an insight into his exhibition and artistic practice. This is a free event and materials will be provided for visitors who wish to stay and draw, taking inspiration from Fry’s distinct style.

The two exhibitions run from 11 March to 3 May 2020.

Gallery DownTown is an annexe of the Tweed Regional Gallery located in the creative hub of M|Arts Precinct, in the heart of Murwillumbah - upstairs at 1 Brisbane Street.

Downloads

Photo 1(JPG, 200KB)

Caption: Rhonda Armistead, Mustard Barn Milawa 2019, drypoint engraving, 140 x 50cm. Image courtesy of the artist

Photo 2(JPG, 113KB)

Caption: Tim Fry, Grand Plans 2020, acrylic and biro on ply, 100 x 40cm. Image courtesy of the artist