It is now five years since the
Alpha31 Art Gallery & Sculpture Garden in Maryborough opened its doors to the public and to celebrate artist-owners Monika Baker & Inge Borg are holding a "Masked Reality Exhibition" to mark the occasion.
Explosion of artistic style at Alpha31 Gallery
The exhibition is on now and will run until the end of November. The concept behind the name of the exhibition is what we all know – that often what is presented to the World is not always what it seems. There are often undertones and at times we too, as individuals present different faces to others depending on whom we are with or who we come in contact with.
Creative use of leadlighting in sculpture
The gallery is known for its unique sculptures as no two pieces are alike, although two could easily be purchased together to resemble a pair, yet still retain their own individual characteristics. What has never been done before and what these ladies have created is to build leadlighting panels into the half-moon sculptures to create faces and/or designs. A tea-light candle is positioned at the back to allow the light to flicker through the panels. This makes a lovely scene at night when there is not much other light around.
The exhibition has been in the making for the past 12 months and comprises 26 paintings, 20 sculptures and 3 leadlight pieces which are all on display. All items are for sale and some have already been purchased. Although limestone, hebelstone and sandstone are the most common mediums for sculpture, Monika has made good use of a piece of Mango in a unique sculpture as well.
Wooden sculpture made from Mango
Paintings adorn the gallery walls and there is no shortage of beauty and talent there either. Everyone has their favourite; however I couldn't help being drawn to "Elemental" where the masked lady has all of Earth's elements entwined in her beauty.
Painting - "Elemental"
Only 10 minutes from the centre of Maryborough, this is an exhibition not to be missed. Prices for paintings start at $500 and sculptures $300. Alpha31 Art Gallery also run weekend sculpture classes for those interested.
