The Bright Art Gallery is in its final days of hosting its 'WEIGHT' exhibition, featuring a sample of work from 13 artists musing on the concept of weight.
After spending the last 18 months in the area, guest curator, Daniel A’Vard, said he was interested in the question of how the combination of traditional and contemporary art can resonate with people across different mediums, based on a common theme.
"I noticed the Bright Art Gallery has a reputation in the community for featuring quite a traditional style," he said.
"There are a lot of contemporary artists in the region and I wanted to welcome them and give them the opportunity to join in, to share their work and feel welcome in that space."
Artists were loosely offered the theme of weight; open to be interpreted physically, emotionally, culturally, or spiritually.
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"Some artists responded with the gravity of grief or trauma, others explored the burden of memory or the anchoring of place," Mr A'Vard said.
"A few wrestled with the body: its limitations, its endurance, its fragility.
"One or two played with the absurd.
"The breadth of responses reminds me weight is more than a burden, it is balance, connection, stability and motion.
"I see abstract and contemporary work as an opportunity to explore.
"My hope is these works create space for guests to pause, to sit with what’s unresolved and to notice what stirs beneath the surface.
"My invitation here is to slow down, to sit with the different works and perhaps to recognise our shared burdens in this most intimate of seasons."
The gallery has seen a great reception to the exhibition, from both the public and contributing artists.
Held in the upstairs space, the layout of the 'WEIGHT' exhibition is set out gently, as opposed to other galleries where it may feel a bit 'oppressive'.
"The overall theme of winter is shared between the upstairs and downstairs exhibitions, as well as the combination of traditional and contemporary styles," Mr A'Vard said.
"I've heard varied feedback on each piece so far; everyone has different things they like."
For more information, visit: https://www.brightartgallery.org.au/current-exhibitions/
The Bright Art Gallery and Cultural Centre is open daily from 10am to 4pm, with admittance by donation.
The current exhibitions are available for viewing until noon this Sunday, 20 July.
