Contemporary exhibition celebrates connection to nature through an evocative reimagination of Australian landscapes

Art Gallery on Darling presents a new exhibition ‘From The Landscape’ showcasing works from celebrated artists Vanessa Ashcroft and Catriona Pollard, opening on 18 October 2018 in Balmain.

Running from 18 October – 21 October 2018, the exhibition features a collection of pieces that work in synergy to explore the relationship and connection with the natural world. Ms Ashcroft’s evocative landscapes and Pollard’s ethereal sculptural pieces offer a contemporary reimagination of Australian nature through unique uses of colour, texture and organic plant material.

Ms Ashcroft’s work skilfully manipulates texture and form, using unorthodox materials to evoke feeling and give glimpses into her life on the Hawksbury River.

“Rather than portraying a moment in time, I draw inspiration from an immersion in nature to capture the expressive energy of the land,” said Ms Ashcroft.

Challenging traditional boundaries, Ms Ashcroft explores mood, texture, colour and light to create unconventional and striking images.

In ‘From The Landscape’, Ms Pollard celebrates the abundance of nature, working with foraged and organic materials to create unique, sculptural works. Her works use a variety of traditional basketry and assemblage techniques, highlighting the link between raw foraged matter, earthy materials and natural elements to explore our relationship with the environment and its beauty.

“When we place ourselves in nature, removed from the constant interruptions of the digital life we live, we have an opportunity to experience ourselves in harmony with the natural world around us,” said Ms Pollard.

“Using traditional basketry methods, my art celebrates the inherent beauty of nature to create moments that encourage reflection and a sense of connection.”

In homage to the raw beauty of Australian nature, ‘From The Landscape’ includes paintings, sculptures and wall hanging pieces.

Event details

Dates: Thursday to Sunday from 18 October – 21 October 2018
Opening Night Drinks: Thursday 18 October 2018 6pm – 8pm
Gallery hours: Thursday to Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday to Sunday 9am – 5pm
Location: Art Gallery on Darling, 315 Darling St Balmain NSW 2041
Cost: Free

 

About Vanessa Ashcroft

Vanessa is Director of Art Gallery on Darling, Balmain, and has a vast experience in the Art World with many solo & Group Shows, selling over the years extensively to Singapore, UK, Canada, New Zealand and Amsterdam.

Living in Patonga on the Central Coast of NSW, Vanessa works from her studio and Gallery, the Salt & Sand Art Gallery in Patonga in the Brisbane Waters National Park.  Vanessa has been a finalist in many Prizes including the Paddington Art Prize, Gosford Art Prize, Mt Eyre Art Prize, Muswellbrook Regional Art Prize, Norville Art Prize  and the Mosman Art Prize. Vanessa has been an invited guest artist at the Packsaddle Art Exhibition and a finalist in the prestigious Norville Art Prize.

For many years Vanessa has held Workshops and tutored at Ku-ring-gai Art Centre, Roseville and St. Ignatius, Riverview.  She holds weekend workshops in Patonga and also does individual one on one tutoring. http://vanessaashcroft.com.au/

About Catriona Pollard

Catriona Pollard’s unique sculptural work uses foraged and discarded plant material with traditional basketry and assemblage techniques to showcase nature and the beauty it shares with us. Her work is emotionally authentic, uniquely contemporary, and visually stunning.

She uses nature as a way to connect with people that goes beyond physical beauty, but touches them in a personal and profound way. Transforming discarded organic material into sculptures forces people to view the natural world around them in a different way.

It adds a layer of wonder and contemplative engagement, and can also lead to a reflection on our inner landscape and the question of what would happen if we saw aspects of our lives in different ways.

The forms she weaves tell stories relating to friends, family and experiences. They are about truly seeing the extraordinary in everyday moments. Simply, it’s about being still, and letting the beauty surface.

Catriona Pollard has had several solo exhibitions and has exhibited extensively in selected and group exhibitions. She has been shortlisted as many art awards including Emerging Artist of the Year Craft NSW, finalist Ravenswood Women’s Art Prize, Northern Beaches Art Prize, North Sydney Art Prize, Warringah Art Prize, and Mosman Art Gallery.

Her work is profiled across major art and design media and is featured nationally in galleries, high end design spaces and private collections. www.theartofweaving.com.au