Outside the Art Gallery.
Want a day out involving culture? Why not try the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery? The gallery is built on the beautiful, scenic lakeside, on the same location as the Sculptural Park and Awaba House. The current gallery was built in 2001 and has housed many exhibits since then. There is a regular changing of themes throughout the year, so there is always interesting and unique art to see. They also hold art classes for adults and children and give the opportunity to meet the artists whose artwork is featured in the gallery. While we were there we met Niomi Sands and got to see her in the process of making some artwork and were allowed to ask questions. She was carving a cup and saucer out of soap and it was interesting to see the work that goes into the eventual finished product.
Current Exhibition
The current exhibitions are 'Look closely now,' and 'Surface seeking.' Unfortunately I could not take photos within the gallery itself, so I will have to do my best to describe my favourite exhibits and you'll have to go and see them for yourself.
Look Closely NowLook closely now,' plays with our perception on things and how we view the world. The first thing you see when you walk in are folded on the ground. I was fascinated to learn that these sheets were not made of material at all but were actually marble. There were also a pair of shoes and a shirt made completely from glue-tac and a working stamp made from clay. My personal favourite from this section was by Ken O'Regan. His work includes old landscape painting of which he changed to feature elements of the modern world. What stood out to me was the ugliness of the modern world compared to the beautiful natural setting. The modern buildings and features seem like they do not belong and emphasise the strength of nature, compared to the limited, weak aspects of modern times.
Surface SeekingSurface seeking,' uses line and colour to bring out emotions in the viewer. I admit I did not enjoy this section as much as I did the previous section but there were works of interest, such as the works by Frank Murri, who uses mathematical concepts to figure out where to carve in the wood, which produces a pattern that is visually stimulating.
For the KidsJust outside the gallery is a work station for kids to explore art and have a go at creating their own artwork. My daughter was a little young for it, but she did enjoy colouring in a pair of shoes to look like grass.
My daughters attempt at an activity.
I found the art gallery a fun and thought provoking activity and welcomed the chance to learn and understand art more fully.
