Two new exhibitiions come to the Redland Art Gallery at Cleveland from October 21.
House of Hope is a unique exhibition which repositions textiles as an extension of sculpture while incorporating seven eucalypt species in the dyeing of silk and wool.
At a time when synthetic dyes used in the textile industry flow freely into many of the world’s rivers, internationally recognised textile artist Susan Fell-McLean invites an alternative awareness of the beauty of natural dyes. Specialising in shibori and natural dyes, Fell-McLean draws on her recent attendance as guest presenter at the UNESCO Madagascar Festival of Plants Ecology and Colour, where scientists, writers, dye experts, artists and traditional practitioners gathered to share the latest research.
The Mullumbimby-based artist said this exhibition was the consolidation of her extensive research into Eucalyptus.
“Eucalyptus colour for protein fibres – wool and silk – does not have historical parallels anywhere in the world. While Indigenous weavers and twiners, particularly in northern Australia, have used eucalyptus to colour…baskets and the like, the use of eucalyptus as a protein colourant does not have a heritage in this country. My exhibition demonstrates the glorious possibilities of eucalyptus leaves to provide colour,” Ms Fell-McLean said.
Running concurrently is an exhibition of Australian exotica, showcasing the works of some of Australia’s most celebrated photographers, by MGA.
Featuring the work of 11 photographers including Brook Andrew, Michael Cook, Destiny Deacon, Peter Dombrovskis, Marian Drew, Leah King-Smith, Joseph McGlennon, Tracey Moffatt, Darren Siwes, Robyn Stacey and Christian Thompson, the exhibition is an important part of MGA’s commitment to making its collection widely accessible and to promoting the work of Australian photographers.
MGA Curator, Stella Loftus-Hills, said the exhibition highlighted an intriguing aspect of MGA’s collection of Australian photographs, a seemingly endless fascination with the exotic antipodes.
“This exhibition includes prominent Australian photographs that relate to what it means to be an Australian, or at least what someone looking in might think about this country,” Ms Loftus-Hills said.
“I hope people would leave the exhibition feeling as though they had experienced something new about photography and Australia, something that perhaps they hadn’t realised before.”
Both exhibitions will be opened at 6.30pm on October 19 with a floor talk for House of Hope to be staged at 10am on October 21. Marian Drew will speak on her part in the photography exhibition at 10.30am. The exhibitions are on display until December 2.
RSVP to artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au/programs or 3829 8484.