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!
-
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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