Sunday, October 21, 2012

Robyn Bauer Studio Gallery - Expressions x 3


Expressions x 3

Robyn Bauer Studio Gallery

Robyn Bauer Studio Gallery advertises itself as one of Brisbane’s leading Art Galleries, with an emphasis on exhibiting sculptural works created by Queensland artists. Upon entering the gallery space, viewers may notice that the layout is similar to the inside of an upmarket home. As the exterior of the building, adjacent to the road, appears to be of a similar size to the neighbouring retail shops, the capaciousness of the Robyn Bauer Studio Gallery is quite surprising. On top of the three standard room sized spaces, there is a deck with a striking view of a Jacaranda tree in full bloom, and a flight of stairs displaying more hidden delights. The Expressions x 3 exhibition showcased three established artists; which included Ann O’Connor, Gerry O’Connor and Patrick Boddington. Ann is a well-known ceramic artist and jeweller, Gerry has worked for more than twenty years in the Western form of the ancient Asian Raku process, and Patrick has focused on painting representational depictions of Girraween National Park.

Expressions x 3 attracted a predominately well-dressed, middle-aged clientele; essentially people with a certain air of sophistication and the appearance of wealth. The atmosphere at this exhibition may come as a shock to Fine Art students who have become accustomed to attending openings where young adults dress in anything from eccentric op-shop attire, to ostentatiously ‘hipster’ paraphernalia. Instead of a mass of twenty-something year olds drinking and smoking just outside the entrance of the gallery, the attendees of the Expressions x 3 politely sip on wine and mingle with one another within the confines of the gallery space. It seems as if everything about this exhibition, and the Robyn Bauer Studio Gallery, exudes commerciality. Each artwork has a price tag attached to it, with prices ranging from $30 to $6,000; perhaps a bit too pricey for your run-of-the-mill university student.

Each artist shares an appreciation of nature in common, as evidenced by their artworks on display. Ann’s practice is influenced by the rainforest in Mt. Glorious, where she lives. Her series of large-hand-built bowls aim to express a deep appreciation of the beauty of nature through the intricate carvings of trees and birds. Gerry has also adopted a practice that is grounded in nature, with an emphasis on nature’s inherent asymmetry (Robyn Bauer Studio Gallery 2006). Correspondingly, Patrick’s gouache paintings intend on capturing the vigour and excitement of what he feels when in the midst of the Girraween National Park’s beautiful landscape (Robyn Bauer Studio Gallery 2006).

Although Expressions x 3 does not have the same slap-in-the-face shock value qualities of most contemporary art being produced in Brisbane, these works are still of significance in a move towards social change. The artists’ appreciation of the natural environment coincides with a key objective of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) that involves working towards promoting ecologically sustainable development (Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 2012). Specific to Girraween National Park, the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection established a management plan in 2010 that involved conserving the natural ecosystems of the park, conveying Girraween’s natural and cultural values to the broader community, and identifying and protecting Indigenous and shared history (Girraween National Park – Management Plan 2010 2012). Expressions x 3 purports the ideals of this management plan by raising awareness about the beauty of Girraween National Park to an audience who may not have otherwise known of this location’s existence.   

Expressions x 3 might not appeal to most Fine Art students’ tastes as it is considerably more conservative than what students are generally exposed to during their studies. Nonetheless, this exhibition may be a welcome alternative to students who are in need of a break from all of the politics and intellectualism underpinning typically provocative contemporary art. Viewers may find that some of the works by Ann, Gerry and Patrick allow for quiet, contemplative meditation – certainly a stress relieving activity that any university student may find beneficial whilst busily completing end of year assessment!

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References

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 2012, viewed 21 October 2012, <http://www.environment.gov.au/about/publications/annual-report/10->.  

Girraween National Park – Management Plan 2010 2012, viewed 21 October 2012, <http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/managing/plans-strategies/pdf/mp004-girraween-management-plan-2010.pdf>.

Robyn Bauer Studio Gallery 2006, viewed 21 October 2012, <http://www.robynbauergallery.com.au/about>. 

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