The Desert Equinox WATER PRELUDE 2016 ‘A prelude to a future Broken Hill Biennale of Art’ PREAMBLE The Broken Hill Art Exchange is proud to announce this artistic event inspired by the ebb and flow of water, the 2016 Desert Equinox Water Prelude, Events and Prize Art Exhibition. Desert Equinox Water is the third of a series of ‘Preludes’ to the establishment of a Broken Hill Biennale of Art. The previous ‘Preludes’ included Desert Equinox Solar (January to March) and Earth (April to June). Each ‘Prelude’ is a full calendar season of activities including public lectures, projects, workshops and prize exhibitions. This catalogue outlines the full program of events that will take place prior and during the Desert Equinox Water Prize Exhibition 2016. This exhibition is a crucible for all genres of artistic creation.
Individuals and groups with diverse interests and backgrounds and specialised disciplines collaborate through our Residency Program. The Broken Hill Art Exchange’s Transdisciplinary International Residency Program caters to artists and sectoral leaders across the fields of science, technology, education, health and environment. Businesses engaging artistic practices are equally welcome. The Preludes (Solar, Earth, Water and Air) provide an opportunity for participants to connect with the Broken Hill community and its physical environment, to further their research and/or professional practices, and to develop projects based on local and global environmental issues.
The theme of the 2016 Desert Equinox Water Prize Exhibition is Ebb and Flow, a notion that seeks to provide a fluid source of inspiration for participants. Rain falls and steam rises while the tide ebbs away and flows forward. In times gone, many mythological archetypes referred to water as giant snake rivers. In our Far West NSW region along the Darling River/ Barka these creation stories are alive to this day. The Barkintji people speak of ‘Ngatyi’, the creator serpent of the Darling river.
The people of Denmark thought that, deep under the oceans, there was a great world serpent ever swallowing its own tail. They believed that if this serpent was ever disturbed enough it would release itself and the world would end. This seems an apt metaphor for the movement of water, as water has transitional states in ever repeating cycles. Far from an extended metaphor, water resources and services are essential to achieve sustainability. Beyond showcasing the talents of artists, researchers and individual expression the goal of this Prelude is to raise the perceived value of water, taking into account economic growth, social equity and environmental sustainability.
Artistic Director
Susan Thomas
& The BHAE Inc. Project Team
Thank you to our major sponsors, the Broken Hill Musicians Club and Sureway Employment and Training
Friday 16 September 2016, 6.30pm (doors open 5.00pm)
Film Screening, exhibition, performance and guest speakers
Combined event:
Reflections on Water & Water Security Exhibition and Desert Equinox Water Exhibition
LOCATION: Kitchen Gallery Heritage Courtyard rear of the Grand Guesthouse 313 Argent Street
The opening of the Reflections on Water & Water Security Exhibition, shared with that of Desert Equinox – Water Prelude, is presented by GECCO Partners The art works feature a diverse range of mediums including glass, ceramics, felt, paint, charcoal, lino cuts, wood, fabrics, film & paper toll. The Kitchen Gallery, an 1888 free-standing kitchen, is being renovated by GECCO Partners in collaboration with the Broken Hill Art Exchange, Sureway and Auzpicious Arts.
It is flanked by an outdoor function area and six Sample Rooms (once used by travelling salesmen). The Grand Hotel, now known as the Grand Guesthouse, was central to the development of Broken Hill over the last 130 years. It is linked to the role played by our city in the rise of modern Australia and to the recent listing of Broken Hill as Australia’s first Heritage City. From the late 1880s, the Kitchen actively provided front bar food for miners and staff and three meals a day for better heeled guests such as land holders, mine managers and proprietors who lodged in the hotel. The Kitchen is the last structure of its kind in Broken Hill in that its integrity has remained intact through the renovation process. This combined event marks the start of a new direction for the Kitchen as a pop-up gallery, an attractive workshop space and a place for cross-cultural learning, exchange & educational programs.
Performance by Helen Bub-Connor
A seasoned musician, whose journey spans some 30 years. Classical, folk, world, and spiritual traditions have all played significant influences in Helen’s vocal exploration and composition.
Helen would describe herself as a ‘lounge’ performer – being most at home in front of a small audience with whom she can share the stories of her music. At this time, Helen’s performances sit comfortably in the field of folk. The opening performance features originals and Joni Mitchell interpretations with a theme of water.
Animation: ‘The Boy who had the Magic Word’ Written by John Graham
This film, The Boy Who Had the Magic Word, (writer John Graham, animators Rebekah Pitt, Christine Peacock, 2005) is a contemporary myth, or re-Dreaming, that works to reinforce existing ideas—about secret words and sacred knowledge—by connecting ancient storytelling traditions with contemporary animation and literary practice.
Public Displays and Workshops
Jenni Farrell: FELT MAKERS WORKSHOP
LOCATION: Broken Hill and Wilcannia
Presenter Jenni Farrell held workshops at the Kitchen Gallery, Broken Hill, introducing participants from Broken Hill, Wentworth and Menindee to felt-making techniques. Workshops will be held in Wilcannia on 18 September.
iStreet Art Scholarship Program with Gary Cook & display of Historical ‘paste up’ murals from the late Doug Banks Photographic Collection
LOCATION: This event took place 7-28 August at the Broken Hill Art Exchange and the mural has been submitted into the Desert Equinox Prize Exhibition
The iStreet Art scholarship program participants (10 – 15 years old) completed a giant chalk board mural titled the ‘River’. The art work was best viewed through 3D glasses to gauge the full effect of the flowing river. The group exhibited the mural in the Broken Hill Fringe Festival in September 2016.
It was displayed alongside historical photographs kindly supplied by the Bank family. The historical photos introduced the idea of producing historical ‘paste up’ murals which serve as a tourist and educational attraction for Broken Hill, Australia’s first heritage city, its historical buildings and events.
The iStreet Art Group’s artwork has been submitted into the Desert Equinox Prize Exhibition by their tutor, Gary Cook.
Gary became interested in depth perception art through collecting stereo views (3D photography). His interest deepened when he discovered Chroma-depth © Glasses.
His interest in 3D chalk art resulted from a Street Art Exhibition at Cockatoo Island, Sydney Biennale. He and his partner Beverley discovered chalk drawings on a footpath which turned into 3D when looking through the glasses. Over the past two Christmas periods he has conducted chalk art projects in Patton Street as part of a BHAE Inc. and Patton Village initiative.
Community Water Walls Mural workshop by Salma Peisto
LOCATION: This Broken Hill Art Exchange and Fringe Festival activity took place in Patton Park on 4 September 2016.
TheThe workshop was presented by artist Salma Peisto who invited the community to learn about stencil art and decorate the pods. The pods can be viewed at the Southside Art Centre, Broken Hill Art Exchange 145 – 157 Duff Street Broken Hill. 17 – 25 September 10 - 4pm
Artist, Salma Peisto
“I studied textiles and printmaking at Charles Sturt university in Wagga Wagga, and I have run a small screen-printing business in Hobart called Kiswa which means a beautiful covering in Arabic. Most recently I have been exploring Islamic geometry and pattern, specifically the decorative tile work on the great mosque of The Dome of the Rock. What I have found is that the decorative function whilst being incredibly beautiful is not without meaning.
My approach to the water pod project is a continuation of my exploration in pattern and design, surface and form. By painting the shapes of traditional water vessels on the pods we can transform them. The silhouetted shapes of ewer, amphora, vase, tea-pot and jug help to remind us about how we use water and by the decoration of these shapes we are reminded about what a treasure our water is.”
LOCATION: Southside Art Centre Broken Hill Art Exchange STUDIO 3 Gallery, 3 / 149 Duff St Broken Hill 10 -4pm daily
Displays, animation screening, public talk, research, and Prize Awards Night
‘BIG WATER DRY’ Photographic Display by Lillian Pearce
PhD Candidate Fenner School, ANU Research Consultant: Broken Hill Art Exchange Residency Program June 2016
“This series of photographs was taken in June 2016. During my stay, the 500 million dollar NSW government backed pipeline was announced.
The project promises to ‘future proof’ Broken Hill. With these images I hope to capture a particular essence of Broken Hill’s historical relationship with water. One that, like the local ecologies, ebbs and flows.
In particular I hope to evoke meditations on ‘drying up’, not only of water itself, but also of industrial imaginaries. There are many lives, stories, and relationships not captured here that are shaped by such industrial manipulations of this precious resource. How future water flows matters here.”
Image: Crusty Realities
Jean de Florette, free film screening, subtitled in English. PG rated. Sunday 18 September, 5.30pm for 6.00pm
LOCATION: Broken Hill Sturt Club 321 Blende Street
RAFFLE and door prizes
A French drama directed by Claude Berri, based on a novel by Marcel Pagnol. The film takes place in rural Provence, where a landowner and his nephew conspire to force a newly arrived family out of the land they need for their own purpose. Starring three of France's most prominent actors – Gérard Depardieu, Daniel Auteuil and Yves Montand.
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Public Talk Friday 23 September, 5.00pm
Presented by Allan Giddy, Director of the Environmental Research Initiative for Art (ERIA) UNSW art & Design
LOCATION: Broken Hill Musicians Club Gallery Bar 276 Crystal Street
Four years ago I was the lead CI on, and acquitted, a substantial linkage grant: Testing experimental technologies and ecological models for new interdisciplinary installations aimed at regenerating degraded sites. Part of the research project was sited in Broken Hill working with The Broken Hill Art Exchange. While out there, during a tour of old mine sites, my guide commented that Broken Hill’s water supply came from over 100kms away via a pipeline, despite the fact that there was “the equivalent of Sydney Harbour sitting directly beneath the city”, in old mine shafts and excavated pockets.
It seems that the condition of most of the water beneath Broken Hill is extremely poor—a ‘punch’ infused with old mining vehicles, batteries, lead, oil and other contaminants—and therefore cannot be tapped as is. Broken Hill’s water supply has been drawn from Menindee Lakes for the past 50 years; however, with the lakes currently dry, and Broken Hill due to run out of water in April 2017, plans are underfoot to pipe water from the Murray River, 100km away.
www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-16/mike-baird-broken-hill-water-pipeline-plan/7515854
As director of The Environmental Research Initiative for Art, UNSW I am proposing a project which will investigate the extent and nature of the pollution of Broken Hill’s subterranean water resources, then create a test model which will remediate a portion of this water and put it to public use.
The project would involve building a very large, scale aquatic model of the Darling River in a park in Broken Hill. Polluted water drawn from directly under the land would be decontaminated onsite, and the resulting water, clean enough for children to play in safely, would flow through the model.
The whole system would be powered by renewable energy. The artistic nature of this test model will be employed firstly to drive interest in, and support for, the research, while the finished model will articulate many of the outcomes in an overt and publicly accessible manner. The projects aim (chronologically) would be to:
As a ‘value add’ it is intended that flora will be planted along, and irrigated by, the model river. This flora would symbolically represent each town, event or highlight along the real Darling river, with this relationship made clear in a ‘map key’. This historical and topographic flora information would be best conceived in close consultation with local indigenous elders and community leaders.
Although this will be largely an engineering project with discernable social impact, the art component will foster interest and enthusiasm, serve to embed the idea, and set a goal, which will be tangible and valuable to the local community. If we were to succeed in purifying the water to such an extent that it is safe for children to paddle in, we will have made a very strong statement; In reality I think a working system that purifies to a ‘grey water’ level is a more likely outcome down the track to best serve municipal needs, but children’s paddling water is a strong statement to aim for initially and will best push the systems while making the point.
Abraham Bradfield: Researcher
Addressing Australian Silences: Indigenous Art as Cultural Expression and Identity Affirmation
LOCATION: Roaming
My name is Abraham Bradfield; I am a PhD candidate from the University of NSW. I am currently in Broken Hill speaking with members of the local Aboriginal community investigating how art is an expression of identity and culture.
Art is a form of communication and is a way we visualise and speak to our past, present and future worlds. This may be through the stories and narratives told in the work itself; the emotions and feelings it provokes; or through the contexts that surround its creation. Behind each work is a story from which we may learn, come to understand, and hopefully embrace the diverse cultures and lessons that Aboriginal people have to offer.
During my research the vital importance of the Barka (Darling River) has been a reoccurring theme. This body of water is much more than a mere commodity to be pillaged for the sake of industry or profit. It is a source of identity; it is a means of maintaining cultural connection to the past, present and future; it is a provider of food and sustenance; it is spiritual and ancestral – It is life itself.
I am very keen to learn more about the work that is being created by Aboriginal people in Broken Hill as well as the surrounding communities. If you want to participate in the study or know someone who might, please feel free to contact me at: abebradfield@yahoo.com.au
Water Pods Community mural project
Location: Southside Art Centre, Broken Hill Art
Exchange 145 – 157 Duff Street, 17 – 25 September, 10 - 4pm
A display of decorated water pods by the children of Broken Hill completed during the Broken Hill Fringe festival, overseen by artist Salma Peisto
Photograph by Bruce Green
CLOSING EVENT: The Desert Equinox Water Prelude Awards and Gala Night. Saturday 24 September, 7.00 pm
Announcement of the winners of the Desert Equinox Water Art Prize.
LOCATION: Broken Hill Musicians Club Auditorium, 276 Crystal Street
Aimee Volkofsky sings tales of murder, magic, and cannibal love. Born in outback New South Wales she migrated to Melbourne to explore music and art in the big city and has recently returned to Broken Hill on a song writing expedition. Her latest project sees her setting out to write songs about Broken Hill, its landscape, its history, and her own connection to it.
Internationally esteemed operatic soprano, has performed on cliff edges, on silos, in quarries and on mountains. Her work has been described as ‘Out of this world’, ‘The Rarest of things’, ‘Delightful’ and ‘Musical Genius’. Scot’s Gay Magazine dubbed her the ‘Best Voice of the Edinburgh Festival’. Isabel has worked in theatre, opera, independent film, community radio and television. She is also a freelance writer, published in New Matilda.
Animation screening
A Star Stuck in the Cloud (animation) by John Graham
The story comes from a contemporary Aboriginal writer John Graham (Yugambeh clan) from the Gold Coast, Australia. Produced by Daniel Bartos in collaboration with Griffith Film School and FAMU in Prague. A Star Stuck in the Cloud is a story of a troublesome star, which needs a help from his friends to get back into the night sky. The story is also a contemporary fable, which reflects the harsh social reality of Aboriginal clans on the East Coast of Australia.
‘The Raft’ By Deborah Kayser & Nick Tsiavos
The voice and the contrabass combine to create a rich aesthetic experience as they embark on an exploration of the shifting facets of Water, and its essential relationship to the human condition. Their collaboration creates an intimate sound-world that is as beautiful in its stillness, as it is intense in its violent energies. Sublime Ancient Chant, Minimalist stillness and anarchic Modernism are refracted through the prism and volatility of a new and dangerous Millennium.
One of Australia's most adventurous sopranos, Deborah Kayser's music practices span the centuries from Ancient Chant, the Baroque, to Contemporary explorations on and off the stave. As a long term member of Elision, Kayser has been at the cutting edge of New Music performance both nationally and internationally. With companies such as Chamber Made Opera, Aphids, and Not Yet It's Difficult, she has explored extending the possibilities of how the voice is used in these arenas.
Nick Tsiavos is a bassist and composer whose work operates at the intersections of a number of cultural boundaries: from the mystery and beauty of 6th century Byzantium and the 12th century Medieval West, to the instability and anarchy of the 21st Century. As long-time collaborators Deborah Kayser and Nick Tsiavos have toured all over the world, recorded critically acclaimed CDs, and are regularly broadcast over the radio.
This exhibition is located at multiple venues and businesses throughout the city of Broken Hill from 17 – 25 September 2016, 10 – 4pm daily.
There are two categories for the art prize, Ebb and Flow.
LOCATION: STUDIO 3 Gallery, Broken Hill ArtExchange 3 / 147 Duff Street Broken Hill
TITLE: Tap
ARTFORM: Sculpture
MEDIUM: Metal, Wood, cotton
SIZE/DIMENSIONS: 45cm (h) x 30cm (w) x40cm (l)
CATEGORY: Flow
DESCRIPTION: Remember these?
BIOGRAPHY: Dane Certificate, creator of wonders makes magic, music, and paints. Born in Albury NSW and currently living in Melbourne, Vic. Dane travels Australia with his magic and has recently toured India. Dane encourages people to use their imagination to achieve the impossible.
LOCATION: STUDIO 3 Gallery, Broken Hill Art Exchange
3 / 147 Duff Street Broken Hill
TITLE: Six individual artworks entered
ART FORM: Abstract, acrylic mixed media
MEDIUM: Stretched canvas
SIZE/DIMENSIONS: Variable
CATEGORY: Ebb and Flow
DESCRIPTION:
Water Drops: Flowing gracefully amongst the Lotus (Flow)
Cubbie Darling: Ebb of sadness, The Darling River is to have the life sucked and blocked out of it no more (Ebb)
C Cave: Inspiration from the underground caves of water and beauty (Flow)
Indigo Flow: inspiration from the deep rough flow of water at night and named after Avalanche Band Album (Flow)
Flowing from the Deep: Inspiration, looking up in the flow of deep water (Flow)
Nordic Pyre, Pyre Valhalla (Viking Funeral): Dead body is placed in the Vikings ship and set on Fire to sail away (Ebb)
BIOGRAPHY: My name is Elaine M Moore (AKA) Dame E.I now live in the Adelaide Hills. My heart has neverleft Broken Hill. I am an ex Broken Hill person, whohas a great respect for the future of Broken Hill &district. I am a patron of The Broken Hill Foundation,since 20th July 2011. I am proud to exhibit in this artshow, Desert Equinox, a Prelude to the Broken HillBiennale of Art at the Broken Hill Art Exchange.
Water Drops
Cubbie Darling
C Cave
Indigo Flow
Flowing from the Deep
Nordic Pyre, Pyre Valhalla (Viking Funeral)
LOCATION: Kitchen Heritage Courtyard Gallery, behind the Grand Guest House 313 Argent Street
TITLE: Dehydration
ART FORM: Textile - window / wall hanging
MEDIUM: Wool felt on silk fabric
SIZE/DIMENSIONS: Approx. length 3 metres x width 70cm
CATEGORY: Ebb
DESCRIPTION: The notion of water as life’s precious essence and the inevitable ebb and flow of supply inspired me to create Dehydration. Felt is an ancient textile and samples have been found in tombs dating back 4,000 years. In Mongolia today there are people making felt for their yurt houses and clothing, rug makers in Turkey and Russians making warm, felt boots (valenki) all using the same simple, traditional methods of wetting wool and providing some friction.
The felt technique used for this piece is called “Nuno” felt which was invented in Nimbin Australia by Polly Stirling and Sachiko Kotaka in the late 1980’s. In Japan the word nuno is to weave / woven and the wool fibres are felted onto woven fabric – as the wool travels through the holes in the weave. Materials used – Tissue silk fabric, merino wool, wool yarn.
LOCATION: Silver City Mint and Art Centre, 66 Chloride St, Broken Hill
TITLE: The Flow
ART FORM: Sculpture on tiles (aerial vision)
MEDIUM: Clay
SIZE/DIMENSIONS: 140cm (l) x 1.10m (w)
CATEGORY: Flow
DESCRIPTION: The flow of the river
BIOGRAPHY: The Potters Society has been operating for thirty-two years and has a group of twenty-eight members. The Potters run classes twice a week, as well as exhibitions, craft fairs and nursing home visits helping people to make things out of clay. For more information, visit the Broken Hill Potters Society Facebook.
LOCATION: The Kitchen Heritage Courtyard Gallery, behind the grand guest house 313 Argent Street
TITLE: The Bridge
ART FORM: Painting / Layered Paper toll
MEDIUM: Paper, oils & ink
SIZE/DIMENSIONS: 1.5 x 1.2m
CATEGORY: Flow
DESCRIPTION: This is a hand drawn layered paper toll of the bridge into Captain’s Flat and much more. The inks combine with oil paints to depict a cold, frosty, misty morning over the upper catchment of the Molonglo River. Part of the headwaters of the Murray – Darling. In this winter woollies and long - johns scene collective droplets will make a river.
BIOGRAPHY: Lack of formal education allows me the expression of individual vision without the inhibition that often develops as a side effect of institutional training. My art is Outsider Art. I came from the gutter and now I’m back there.
LOCATION: Outback Real Estate 13 Chloride Street (Town Square)
TITLE: Menindee Evening
ART FORM: Painting
MEDIUM: Acrylic and oil on canvas
SIZE/DIMENSIONS: 50 x 60cm
CATEGORY: Ebb
DESCRIPTION: “Menindee Evening reflects the reliance on water. Without water trees die and the landscape becomes desolate and desperate. With water flowing new growth flourishes and all the environment is refreshed, restoring life and vitality.”
BIOGRAPHY: Dawn Myree saw Menindee Lakes totally waterless in 2010, then flourishing within two years. Her artistic journey began during her residence in Broken Hill, through workshops and mentoring. She continues to paint in oil and acrylic in Adelaide South Australia, in various genres.
LOCATION: Jonnie Loves Noreen Vintage Memories, 166 Patton Street
TITLE: The sun going down over the iconic Darling River
ART FORM: Landscape painting
MEDIUM: Acrylic on board
SIZE/DIMENSIONS: 96cm x 65cm
CATEGORY: Ebb
DESCRIPTION: “The Darling River is in a bad way. The same river that explorers, writers, and poets described as ‘Majestic’ for nearly 200 years is now pretty well stuffed. The river that the Barkandji peoples have known and lived upon for tens of thousands of years is called ‘Barka’. Barka was created by a great spirit, whether the rainbow serpent or the great cod. Sadly, their Barka doesn’t exist as it did anymore. Europeans came along and cleared the land, cut down untold numbers of River Red gum to power the steamboats that plied the river, cleared away ancient fish traps, built artificial lakes and barriers to stem the rivers flow, and now we pump enough water from up river for flood irrigation that leaves nothing but stagnant puddles of water from Menindee to down near Wentworth.
It’s certainly not the first time that this river has run dry and nor will it be the last but the use of flood irrigation on land the size of some European countries from up the river to grow cotton has something to do with why kids in Pooncarie can’t go for a splash. Downstream, the river hasn’t flowed since December 2015. Cotton prices have gone up but what about price is the most well-known river in Australia worth.”
BIOGRAPHY: “I’m still alive – just”
LOCATION: TAFE Western Broken Hill outside main office 248 Argent Street
TITLE: The Last Drop
ART FORM: Sculpture
MEDIUM: Steel
SIZE/DIMENSIONS: 900mm square raised off the ground
CATEGORY: Ebb (group entry) Graham Banks, M. Sforcina, Brayden Herffernan, Colin Clark, Garreth Rolton, Matthew Page, Max Werch
DESCRIPTION: The Artwork has been inspired by our ongoing water crisis and plainly states the end game for humanity and fresh water supplies. “Water is an essential element of life, all life began in water and it’s clear that we wouldn't be around today if it wasn't for water. Broken Hill exists primarily because of mining; however, it only continues to exist as a thriving community today because of our uninterrupted supply. I have chosen Ebb to relate "The Last Drop" to, to my mind water is precious and I've experienced times when it has ebbed away to the point where you’re left feeling like it’s out of reach or even to the point where it is almost non-existent. Hence "The Last Drop". Equally it could be related to flow, when that flow is disrupted in some way, tensions rise surrounding water security.
Civilisations have collapsed due to just such events. The concept of the last drop, simple in essence has been a powerful motivator in bringing this artwork to life. Since the idea came a little late in the scheme of things it took a lot of extra effort to bring it together and so to those people that held the door widely open to ensure this project came to life, thank you very much. Regards Graham Banks”
BIOGRAPHY: Graham Banks is a casual trades teacher at Broken Hill TAFE College and he believes this project to be a positive outcome for all concerned let alone what it may do for Broken Hill as a tourist attraction.
LOCATION: The Kitchen Heritage Courtyard Gallery, behind the Grand Guest house, 313 Argent Street
TITLE: Eromanga Seascape
ART FORM: Sculpture
MEDIUM: Wood Carving
SIZE/DIMENSIONS: 250mm long x 150mm height
CATEGORY: Ebb
DESCRIPTION: The Eromanga Seascape depicts a time in Australia’s history when the ‘inland sea’ was a reality and plesiosaurs, ammonites and other large creatures were swimming around in the middle of Australia which is now desert fossilised remains have been found in the opal fields which are all bordering the edge of this ancient sea 70 – 100 million years ago early to the late cretaceous.
BIOGRAPHY: I Had an exhibition at the Broken Hill Art Exchange in 2011 and have been working ‘Auzpicious Arts’ a commercial arts enterprise for the last nineteen years doing multi - medium installation art projects in the main streets of towns and kiddies playgrounds etc. specialising in corporate and private commissions and have pieces in Portsmouth England, America and other countries. www.auspiziousarts.com.au
LOCATION: West Darling Arts (ground floor alcove) Town Hall Façade, 256 Argent Street
TITLE: River
ART FORM: Drawing
MEDIUM: Chalk on Board
SIZE/DIMENSIONS: 1m x 3m
CATEGORY: Flow
DESCRIPTION: This artwork is a collaborative effort by juniors ages 11 – 15 years to produce an artwork that is to be viewed using 3D glasses. The iStreet art group members include: Connor Koch, Madalyn French, Deyonne Reiss, Bella Kolinac, Tan Bamrungphakdee, Mackenzie Tonkin, Eleana Geneblazo, Justin Materna, Amali Elston and James Cecchin.
BIOGRAPHY: The iStreet Art group formed as part of a youth scholarship Program at the Broken Hill Art Exchange in conjunction with the Patton Village Community and Business Association for the Broken Hill Fringe Festival. Over a period of four Sunday sessions facilitated by Gary Cook, a psychologist interested in depth perception art.
LOCATION: Kitchen Gallery, 313 Argent Street Rear of the Grand Guesthouse
TITLE: Environment – River Places
ARTFORM: Sculptural burls
MEDIUM: River Red Gum
CATEGORY: FLOW
DESCRIPTION: My piece of work is a carved red gum burl. When I see trees I think about the wood and how it can be make good work. The burl I’ve chosen to exhibit has a goanna in there. The goanna’s special for everyone and for the environment. When he’s by the waterhole he’d be happy knowing when the water is coming. The goanna’s eyes would light up at the sight of fresh water and he’d smell it coming. He wouldn’t be there unless the water was good. So if the goanna was there and the water was good everyone could be happy with the water from up top (upstream) being shared.
*The goanna is very powerful
BIOGRAPHY: My proper name is Les Harris but I’m better known as Waddy because my grandfather called me that. I started out in Cobar and from the age of seven grew up in Wilcannia where I met my grandmother down by the river. I really loved it there. Growing up on the land made me strong and I learnt from the old people. I’m a wood carver and I’d like my work to stay in Wilcannia because it’s important for us here, for the children, for all the people who come visiting and the ones who come back to Wilcannia so there’s something for them to see about our place and our stories. I’m here in Wilcannia if people want to know about these things and our stories.
LOCATION: Kitchen Gallery, Heritage Courtyard at the rear of the Grand Guest house 313 Argent Street
TITLE: Cry of the thirsting Billabong (when a great river is reduced to a chain of ponds)
ART FORM: Sculpture
MEDIUM: Ceramic and wild grasses
SIZE/DIMENSIONS: 185cm x 75cm x 85cm
CATEGORY: Ebb
DESCRIPTION: Making all the pieces for this installation was a year’s meditation. It drew on my love for the Darling River and its billabongs and my delight in all the life they support. The meditation also drew on my grief over the depleted state of this river system. There are not enough good flows to keep the ecosystem healthy – far too often this great river is reduced to a chain of ponds. But it also drew on my hope that we can come to see the damage we are doing to our waterways – that we can change our priorities, befriend our rivers and see new life unfold.
BIOGRAPHY: Born in Sydney, my earliest training as an artist was at the National Art School. I continue to work as a painter and print – maker, but twenty-five years ago I was drawn also to the expressive possibilities of sculptural hand-building in clay. Living in Wilcannia, on the bank of the Darling River has nurtured my love of the outback landscape. This has deeply influenced all my artwork. I have regular exhibitions away but also exhibit in my own gallery in Wilcannia and sometimes in Broken Hill.
LOCATION: Southside Art Centre STUDIO 3 Gallery Broken Hill Art Exchange, 3 / 147 Duff Street Broken Hill
TITLE: Billabong Pond Life
ART FORM: Textiles
MEDIUM: Fabric
SIZE/DIMENSIONS: 8” x 4”
CATEGORY: Ebb
DESCRPTION: ‘Billabong’ – an isolated pond left behind after a river changes. My work is a depiction of the life of a billabong using textiles with the use of three fabrics each representing Billabong flora and fauna, rain and water.
BIOGRAPHY: I’ve always been into art of some form. Just five years ago I became obsessed with fabric while surfing the Internet and started buying it from the U.S.A. not knowing that very soon I was to be gifted with a beautiful granddaughter (Lily). As I looked longingly at my fabulous stash of fabrics I decided I needed to learn to sew so I could make her clothes. I used many, many tutorials until I was able to create beautiful children’s wear. As of last year I came across a wallet pattern. Thus I have used it as a concept for my entry into the Water Art Prize.
LOCATION: Southside Art Centre STUDIO 3 Gallery Broken Hill Art Exchange, 3 / 149 Duff Street Broken Hill
TITLE: Liquid Gold
ART FORM: Mixed media /
MEDIUM: Water tank
SIZE/DIMENSIONS: 1.2m cubed
CATEGORY: Ebb
DESCRPTION: 1.2m cubed water tank with both illustrated and written content relating to the aqua of the region and its shared relationship with the land that we all call home.
BIOGRAPHY: I am a local artist born and bred in this our ‘Silver City’. Only recently have I started to show and display any drawings or work I have done. Hopefully the results of this competition will help me decide which direction (if any) to take from here. Also, to see more of a community that I can fit into and help improve to the benefit of all involved, would be something I’m happy to work towards.
LOCATION: Broken Hill Art Exchange, STUDIO 3 Gallery 3/ 147 Duff St.
TITLE: Murray Darling
ARTFORM: Painting
MEDIUM: Oil on Canvas
SIZE/DIMENSIONS: Approx. 500mm x 600mm
CATEGORY: Flow
BIOGRAPHY: Gregory Scott is a retired station hand with a love for painting who has been living in Broken Hill for the past six years. “I’ve always painted and have been a member of the Broken Hill Regional Gallery”.
LOCATIONS FOR ART PRIZE EXHIBITION AND CURRENT EVENTS
The Desert Equinox events and Art Prize artworks are located throughout the city of Broken Hill. Entries into the prize exhibition can be viewed from 17 – 25 September between 10.00am and 4.00pm daily.
(KG)
Kitchen Gallery, Heritage Kitchen Courtyard rear of the Grand Guest house 313 Argent Street
Opening event: Friday 16 September 6.30 pm (doors open 5.00pm)
Music performance by Helen Bub-Connor; Animation Screening of ‘The Boy who had the Magic Word’ written by John Graham; guest speakers; Reflections on Water & Water Security and the Desert Equinox Water. The
exhibiting artists include Gunther Deix, Bryan Carrick, Les (Waddy) Harris, Jenny Farrell and Karin Donaldson
STUDIO 3 Gallery, Broken Hill Art Exchange, Southside Art Centre, 3 / 147 Duff Street Broken Hill
Exhibiting artists & events:
17 - 25 September 2016 10am – 4pm daily
Community Water Walls display; ‘Big Dry’ Photographic Display by Lilian Pearce and exhibiting artists including Dane Certificate; Elaine Moore; Georgie Watts; Matthew Chandler; and Gregory Scott
(SC)
The Broken Hill Sturt Club
321 Blende Street Sunday 18 September 5.30 for 6.00pm
Free film screening of Jean de Florette, raffle and door prizes
(MC)
The Musicians Club 276 Crystal Street
Public Talk: Allan Giddy
23 September, 5.00pm in the Gallery Bar
Prize Awards Night and closing event
Saturday 24 September, 7.00pm
Music Performance by Aimee Volkofsky; Vocal performance by Isabel Hertaeg, internationally esteemed operatic soprano; Animation screening of ‘A Star Stuck in the Cloud’ written by John Graham; Deborah Kayser and Nick Tsiavos performing ‘The Raft’, (voice and contrabass); and video screenings
(SM)
Silver City Mint 66 Chloride Street
Exhibiting art group
The Potters Society, 10 – 4pm daily
(VM)
Jonnie Loves Noreen Vintage Memories
166 Patton Street
Exhibiting artist, John Williams, 10 -4pm daily
(TW)
TAFE Western NSW (street view outside the main office), 248 Argent Street
Exhibiting art group, Graham Banks, M. Sforcina, Brayden Herffernan, Colin Clarke, Garreth Rolton, Matthew Page, and Max Werch
(WD)
West Darling Arts, Town Hall Façade (ground floor alcove), 256 Argent Street
Exhibiting Group, iStreet Youth Artists
(ages 10 -15yrs) See page 33 for group details
(OR)
Outback Real Estate 13 Chloride Street (window display in the Town Square)
Exhibiting artist, Dawn Myree
The Broken Hill Art Exchange is a not for profit volunteer based organisation
Artistic Director: Susan Thomas
Project Manager: Micheal Schoengen
Production Manager: Armando Licul
Audio Visual/ Videographer: Bruce Green
IT and Website: James Naismith & Ricky Elston
STUDIO 6 Art Space Manager: Georgie Watts
Employment and volunteer placements:
Lee Brache, Rodney Clarke, Scott Swellington, James Pascoe, Matt Chandler, Taylor Rose, Annie Graham and Angela Unwin
President: Peter McGlinchey
Acting President / Vice President: Bruce Green
Secretary & Public Officer: Ghislaine Barbe
Assistant Secretary: Cheryl Holmes
Treasurer: Armando Licul
Front cover: Artist Anna Macleod (Ireland), Broken Hill and surrounds Water Jar Samples. Photograph by Bruce Green
Thank you to our major sponsors the Broken Hill Musicians Club and Sureway Employment and Training. We thank all the exhibitors for supplying their words and their participation. We also wish to thank the businesses and organisations that supported the artists to exhibit on their premises as well as catering, transport & material support that helped make this event possible.
To apply for the Broken Hill Art Exchange International Residency Program or for information about the upcoming 2016 and 2017 Desert Equinox Preludes; Solar, Earth, Water and Air contact the Broken Hill Art Exchange at info@brokenhillartexchange.org.au or phone +61 8 80883171
www.brokenhillartexchange.org.au and Facebook Broken Hill Art Exchange
http://www.bhaeinc.wixsite.com/desertequinox
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