Published 06 August 2024
From fresh blooms, to ceramics, woven tapestries, digital art and acrylics, to mythically-inspired wallabies, to artworks created by the region’s youngest aspiring artists – there is truly something for everyone at Bunbury Regional Art Gallery this month.
Several new and intriguing exhibitions will take over the gallery’s walls and spaces starting from 10 August.
The always popular and youth-driven Iluka Visions will adorn the gallery walls from Saturday 10 August until 27 October.
The exhibition showcases artworks created by students in years 7 to 12 from high schools cross the South West, stretching from Harvey to Manjimup, and serves to underscore the important role of art education in a holistic learning experience.
This year will feature collaborative artworks created by students following workshops with professional artists Alex Desebrock, Charlotte White, and Deanna Mosca.
An award ceremony and grand opening event will be held on Sunday 18 August when live music, activities, and more will take over BRAG for a family-friendly day of fun and entertainment.
Supported by Lotterywest, the second Indian Ocean Craft Triennial (IOTA24) will see exceptional ceramic artworks brought especially from South Africa by Madoda Fani as part of the international exhibition, Codes in Parallel. From Saturday 10 August until 27 October 2024, Jillian Green will also exhibit a supporting show as part of the IOTA24 festival.
Fani’s exhibition will feature bold and emblazoned-with-character ceramics inspired by the Xhosa communities of his home region in South Africa. In contrast and complement, The Upholstered Donkey by Western Australian artist Jillian Green will feature woven tapestries interlaced with found objects that draw inspiration from two miniature donkeys, Frank and Joe.
Also from 10 August, the community can experience Matthew Clarke's captivating Wallabies on BRAG’s front lawn. The display will see 10 newly crafted wallabies appear in front of the gallery for a one-week pop-up exhibition, before moving on to their next destination.
Previously stopping in cities such as Brisbane, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Melbourne, and Sydney, Clarke's wallabies have delighted audiences across Australia. Inspired by the positive response at the 2023 Rising Festival in Melbourne, Clarke has decided to bring this pop-up exhibition to Bunbury.
The exhibition will run until 18 August.
Then, set to fill the art gallery with fragrant flowers, Blooming Art returns to showcase the floral artworks of Bunbury Flower Designers Club members from 2pm on Thursday 15 August.
On display for four days only, the exhibition will see members of the club, local artists, and art groups display artwork made with flowers and plant material inspired by pieces chosen from the City of Bunbury Art Collection.
For further comment on Blooming Art please contact Bunbury Flower Designers Club member Lyn Harwood who is happy to be interviewed by media, on 0417 971 730.
Lastly, from 31 August – Some Like it Hot – an exhibition that intersects sweat, sex, desire and discord in Darwin will feature at BRAG.
See works by much-lauded Territory-based artists Therese Ritchie and Franck Gohier, well known for their satirical work combining wit and humour with astute social observation.
Reflecting its Top End genesis, this exhibition about heat, place, and gendered behaviour is challenging, amusing, irreverent and impressive. The exhibition runs until 10 November.