Category: RSASA Exhibitions 2014

14 December – 4 January 2015

RSASA Members’ Summer Exhibition
Opening: Friday evening, 12 December, 6.00 pm

by Silvio Apponyi, FRSASA, Sculptor

Fantasy 5: 16 November – 7 December

An exhibition of artworks by local Adelaide Fantasy
Artists; Emerson Ward, Elena Maslarova, Anthea Wright, Anthony Christou, John Ford, Anne Marie
Strudwick, Raven Baylock, Zuen Ghast, David G Williams, Michal Dutkiewicz,, Catherine Scholz, Joanna
Molloy, Ryan Mahon, Kina & more
Guest speaker: Michel Gray, Gumeracha Medieval Fair Co-ordinator
Opening 2.00pm Sunday 16 November, RSASA Gallery.

An exhibition of exciting artwork by new RSASA   members since August 2011 – of paintings,   printmaking, mixed media, photography,   sculpture & much more.

Opened by Nicholas Folland, sculptor and   installation artist, on Sunday, 19 October 2014 at   2 pm in the RSASA Gallery.

Members’ Spring Exhibition

21 September – 12 October 2014

Various media, including some photography, textiles and jewellery

Opening on Sunday 21 September 2014 at 2.00 pm

Guest speaker: Megan McEvoy

27 Aug – 14 Sept

Once RSASA members receive three awards of merit while showing their work in members’ exhibition they reach the level of Associate. Each year Associates are invited to apply for Fellowship by showing a body of work along with back up material such as journals, concept development and sketches etc. Fellows of the society then place their votes and by simple majority Associates become Fellows. Its a good opportunity to view a high standard of diverse works.

Friday 18^th July – Sunday 20^th July 2014:  RSASA Gallery

Floor Talks: Friday 18 July 11.00am & 2.30pm, Saturday 19 July 11.00am & 2.30pm, Sunday 20 July 11.00am

The Edwardian Era was a decade of unparalleled luxury and opulence in fashion with well-bred and sophisticated women wearing elegant confections of silk and lace.  The Art Nouveau period, with its flowing, organic forms was just beginning and strongly influenced Edwardian fashion.  Cavalcade’s exhibition and floor talks will feature stunning Edwardian gowns, Edwardian unmentionables (underwear) and accessories many featuring exquisite hand and machine made lace. See and hear for yourself how Edwardian women lived their lives of luxury and see how lace was made for fashion of the period. Also featured is a wonderful collection of lace collars from the Edwardian and earlier eras to delight lovers of lace.

The Cavalcade Collection, dating from the late 1700s, has been used by its custodians, a volunteer not-for-profit community group, the Cavalcade of History and Fashion for 50 years to share Australia’s social and fashion history with community audiences at historical, educational and public charitable events and exhibitions throughout NSW and interstate.

Cavalcade is very grateful for the generosity of the many donors to the collection and for the women who founded the group 50 years ago to raise money for charitable organisations. Those women had the foresight to collect the provenance of the gowns which adds to the value of the collection to the community and future generations.

www.oidfaadelaide.com   http://www.thecavalcade.org/     email: oidfaadelaide@adam.com.au

Other venues along North Tce are also available for viewing during the Congress. There is an OIODFA day ticket entry at Freemasons Hall, exhibitions in Union House, University of Adelaide for A $20 per purchase or $25 on the day. Tickets can be pre ordered at www.oidfaadelaide.com

Youthscape is a prized art exhibition with over $5,000 in prizes to be awarded by three judges from artworks by artists 15 – 26 years, in categories of 2D (painting, mixed media), 3D, Photography & Printmaking. The biennial exhibitions are held in the gallery of the Royal SA Society of Arts, Adelaide.

Youthscape originated in 2000 and exhibitions are held biennially, and are are open to all young artists. The idea is to give young artists the opportunity to exhibit their artwork and gain confidence through a medium they enjoy. It provides them with a professional space and organization to guide them at the beginning to their artistic journey.

Youthscape is an exciting exhibition showcasing a wonderful array of creative works by young artists. It also aims to include young artists in the organization of the exhibition, giving them an idea of what is required to undertake an exhibition that includes prizes and planning.

There is now a “Student” level of RSASA Membership. Many of the Youthscape artists have remained members and assisted in various ways over the years.

You can check out information about the current Youthscape here or download an entry form here.

Plans for the 2014 “RSASA Characters of Fleurieu” are well under way using three venues.

This Exhibition is to be held from 24 May for 22 June,2014 at the Stump Hill Gallery and Scarpantoni Estate Wines.

Art works will also be displayed at Red Poles Gallery from the 14th June until 20th July 2014.
Entry forms have been distributed and artists throughout the State are preparing their artworks with closing date
12th April 2014 for entries. Entry forms and details of requirements can be downloaded from www.rsasarts.com
A preliminary brochure has also been distributed widely. Three independent judges have been appointed;
Cedar Prest, Trevor Newman, Jim Fenemore. Those selected will be advised by the beginning of May.

The exhibition is open to all artists to enjoy the creative act of interpreting different characters from the
Fleurieu peninsula in a variety of creative ways, using various media and sizes for presentation.
Three galleries will be house the exhibition so there are no size or media restrictions. Prizes over $5000 have been secured with a first prize of $3000 with donations from Scarpantoni Estate Wines & the RSASA.

Other sponsors are STARS, Red Poles, Splashout Studios, Premier Art Supplies, Pack & Send, Atkins Technicolour,
Diamonds Photographics, Pimlott Framing & Art Spectrum. A grant has also been received from the City of
Onkaparinga Council.

The official opening will be held at The Stump Gallery, McLaren Vale Visitors Centre and will be opened by
Mr Leon Bignell MP, Minister for Tourism 2.00pm on Saturday 24th May. All prize winners will be announced
at this time.

Delivery of artworks

Artists whose works are selected for this exhibition to be displayed at the three venues, are required to deliver their work to The Stump Hill Gallery on Tuesday 20th May, 2014 between 10am and 4pm.
Pack and Send at 29 Unley Road, Parkside can assist with delivery and return of art works. Phone 8272 7222 to make detailed arrangements. 25 works selected will be displayed at Scarpantoni Estate Wines, with easels kindly donated by Premier Art Supplies and transported by Pack and Send of Unley Road, Parkside. Art works selected will also be displayed at Red Poles Gallery, 190 McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale www.redpoles.com.au from 14th June until 20th July 2014.

All works will be advertised using all our social media platforms and are for sale, sale price will include a 30%
commission.

The Councils of the Fleurieu, local identities, artists and many supporters are assisting in the presentation of this
exhibition. The Stump Hill Gallery exhibition and works at Scarpantoni Estate Wines, will be on display during the Sea
and Vines Festival. The Red Poles Exhibition runs for a period of 5 weeks where Ros Miller has kindly made available her Gallery free of administrative costs thus supporting this venture.

For more information please  contact the RSASA office-phone 8232 0450 or phone Jack Condous 0409 414 455, Betty Anderson phone 0404 864 633, Beryl Stutchbury phone 0423 422 749 or Jim Fenemore phone 0403 080 720

Gallery hours of displays- for “RSASA Characters of Fleurieu”

Gallery addresses and opening times are as follows;

The Stump Hill Gallery, McLaren Vale Visitors Centre, 796 Main Road, McLaren Vale is open Monday to Friday 9am –
5pm – weekends Public Holidays 10am – 4pm www.mclarenvale.info

Scarpantoni Estate Wines, Scarpantoni Drive, McLaren Flat is open 9-5pm Mon – Fri 11.30am – 4.30pm
Saturday Sunday & Public Holidays www.scarpantoniwines.com sales@scarpantoniwines.com

Red Poles Gallery, 190 McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale is open Wed – Sun 9 – 5pm Open Public Holiday. Live Music
Sundays redpoles@redpoles.com.au www.redpoles.com.au

The Royal SA Society of Arts & the Characters of the Fleurieu Committee wish to thank all our sponsors.

Exhibition of drawings by R.W. Eighty Eighty. June 1-15 2014

Artist’s Statement – The Nature of Line

In the search for recognition, and trying to find the right niche in which to promote this artistic approach, I have found it difficult in both locating an audience to appreciate my work as well as trying to determine where this particular approach to drawing and painting sits within the contemporary art scene. The nature of the work has a lot to do with my feelings towards how the natural environment has slowly been disappearing and how humanity has consumed that natural beauty.

I make no apologies for the approach I have taken in an attempt to capture the rural spirit of Australia since there is no official way to convey a personal experience.  Artists tend to tell stories and underlying my work is the desire to share my love of the complexity of nature. Many art historians have suggested that imagery can only be seen and judged in a cultural and historical context.  If that is the case, then clearly the turbulence of the artistic approaches taken during the twentieth century has impacted on my approach as much as the destruction of the natural environment which surrounds us.

Like so many of my contemporaries, I have rejected the demands of pure abstractionism. It’s focus on simplifying  everything down to a core essence with a total disregard for anything which may be considered ‘detailed’ produces many works which have a striking similarity.  Insisting on an economy of detail, with the belief that the viewer is incapable of seeing the complexity of the natural world, may have some validity however my intention is to re-enforce the character of that complexity.

I do however recognise that the current direction taken by many artists seems to be  dominated by the cleverness of the concept not necessarily the strength of the craft. This capricious approach has developed a standard that is unchallenged and is both indifferent and contemptuous of any  traditional approaches taken. Dismissed as simply decorative imagery, the guardians of taste see the use of any traditional approach as reactive to current sensitivities and not as a continued development of art. The tradition of abstractionism established at the beginning of the last century is being challenged by a new generation of artists who, one hundred years later, are seeking their own voice and direction in the creation of imagery.

It is not my place to question the underlying motives of other artists. My longing for a past age does not cloud my understanding about  the capriciousness of what current taste dictates. I appreciate the fact that my work will not compare with those artists who simply prefer to confront  the viewer. This tends to limit the impact of my imagery.  I understand this however I refuse to be beguiled by the emotive slash and vigorous use of line regardless of how eloquently the gesture is performed as the predictability of it simply does not satisfy my needs.

Devotion to the development of line art and slavishly working to produce imagery in an attempt to create something that may have an emotional impact on a viewer is the starting point for my work.

My formalistic training was in a range of disciplines.  None of this artistic education was designed to develop my complex narrative compositions or to perpetuate approaches in artistic achievement which have not been seen in recent eras. Although I see no potential in simply following the classical traditions of one hundred and fifty years ago I recognise that many people see the work as dated or from another age.  This does not lesson the value of the art created nor does it reduce my personal feelings or spirit of exploration.

There are many distinguished artists in Australia whose contemporary style is unique. They established their credibility, in many cases, in spite of the attitude displayed by the arbiters of taste. I believe that the underlying principle of free expression has become an underpinning fundamental in the development of artistic styles. This affords me the opportunity to present an approach which doesn’t comfortably fit within current conventions.

My pictorial language follows a long tradition but the imagery does not replicate old master’s work nor does it attempt to echo the power of what has been created in the past.  The work explores a style which simply stands in opposition to contemporary practices. There is no attempt at achieving a realistic look although many people would consider the imagery to be realistic. Clearly we don’t see lines surrounding the forms in our lives and using a linear approach can be seen as more abstract then natural in appearance.

I normally work plein air, sketching in both pencil, pen and ink; and water based mediums. I very rarely do a full detailed drawing when working outside and attempt to capture just what is necessary to get the essence of the scene. These site sketches are then used to inspire the development of the final imagery in the studio. My interpretations of the landscape represent my emotional response to the overwhelming beauty that is the Australian landscape.

The work represents a contemporary view of nature. I don’t believe it can simply be called realistic or naturalistic in approach as the patterns generated to portray varied elements are not necessarily based on natural textures. And, although the approach demands attention to detail there is no strict adherence to giving the imagery a photographic realism.

Expressing my personal interpretation of the complexity of the landscape, I derive a personal satisfaction in rendering what I feel and the technique I use has simply evolved as a result of many years of exploration and development. I think I have developed a signature style that is different from many of my contemporaries.

There is a predominance of the use of pure line in my work. Whether I am working in paint or in ink, the linear aspects stands out and this creates a certain look or style.  This deceptively simplistic approach actually has an underlying foundation and compositional structure that is fairly complex. The character of the work often encompasses a recognition of how time impacts on both nature and humanity. It alludes to the sense of isolation in the individual figure wandering in their own private world.

The most recent work is devoted to this sense of isolation and the relationship between the individual and their place within the natural setting. Whether as a refuge from the intensity of modern life or as simply a metaphor for the complexity of all that surrounds us, the bush seems to encompass an amazing diversity.  My interpretation of nature and  use of the isolated figure in the landscape has become a theme that many of my pieces have followed.

The look of the Australian landscape is unique and although my goal was never to attempt to represent a national identity, this approach in response to the power of the ‘bush’ does seem to have an Australian flavour. It is not the grandeur of Mount Kosciuszko or Uluru but the underlying beauty of a simple old gum tree lying on its side after centuries of fighting the elements that inspire the work. I really don’t know but perhaps the attempt to capture a feeling or moment in time that conveys how special even the loneliest track can be, might in fact be a way of really representing a national identity.

27 April – 25 May 2014

Opened by Dr Jeffrey Nicholas KSJ, historian

Sunday 27 April, 2 pm.

23 March – 20 April 2014

The 5th Solar Art Prize Open to all South Australians, $28,000 in Prizes for Vouchers for Solar Products.

Entries close Wednesday 14 Feb
Download Solar Art Prize entry form

To be opened 2.00 pm, Sunday 23 March

Peoples Choice Award announced on Sunday, 20 April.

5th Solar Art Prize 2014

RSASA Members’ Autumn / Fringe Exhibition

16 February – 16 March 2014

Opened by Hon. Chloe Fox MP, Minister assisting the Minister for the Arts

Sunday 16 February at 2.00 pm

A Members Fringe exhibition of artworks with a trickle and a crunch, or may be a yummy munch at the opening.

A vibrant and creative bunch of artists with colourful contemporary and traditional artworks in paintings, printmaking, photographs, mixed media, sculpture, textiles, and so much more

Six of the tutors who have taught at the RSASA Summer School (6 – 31^st Jan 2014) are showcasing artworks in relation to the ideas and styles they have tutored, giving the participants many ideas to explore, from colourful acrylic paintings by Margaret Tuckey to fine pen drawings by David Braun, Oil portraits by Gerhard Ritter, and amazing photos by Russell Boyd.

Peoples’ Choice for Summer Daze Exh: being Amanda Hodgson for “Lost Horizons” mixed medley on timber

6 December – 12 January 2014, closed over Christmas 23 Dec  opens 2 Jan 2014.

RSASA Members’ Summer Exhibition opening 6.00pm  Friday 6^th December, by Dr Gregor Ramsey, President of the Friends SA School of Art.

All is a Daze of Summer there will be paintings, sculptures, photographs, textiles, printmaking, mixed media in a mix of styles.

An Art Market will also be held from Sunday 8^th – 22^nd December of unframed artworks all under $200 – from paintings, cards, prints and more. A chance of a bargain.

Download invitation to Summer Daze Exhibition

Featured painting
Coralie Armstrong, Warm Rocks, watercolour