As part of Bendigo Art Gallery’s 130th birthday celebrations, the gallery has unveiled a number of new acquisitions.
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Visitors to the gallery are greeted by a stunning new sculptural work by Caroline Rothwell. Handstanding Youngster is a large bronze sculpture situated at the entrance to the gallery.
Based in Sydney, Rothwell has developed a strong reputation for creating works of art discussing hybridity and the connections between animals and humans. While on first glance the sculpture appears to be of an ordinary young girl, on closer inspection a strangeness/otherness becomes apparent. The eyes and mouth of this young girl are in fact not human at all – they are that of a stingray!
Another recent acquisition highlighted in the exhibition Collective Vision is a pair of large-scale photographic works by Melbourne-based artist Polixeni Papapetrou. Spring and Blinded come from Papapetrou’s 2016 series Eden.
These colourful and engaging works are resplendent with symbolism, creating connections with the language of flowers and religious iconography.
Also on display for the first time is a number of contemporary ceramic works by some of Australia’s most renowned potters. Sand and Sea by Ted Secombe is a stunning large porcelain work with a patina that evokes the crystalline structure of salt water and the beach.
A self-taught potter, Secombe has been creating his work for more than 30 years.
The gallery’s beloved Fred Williams painting, The Yarra at Kew, is joined by a new gift coming directly from Lyn Williams, who has managed the artist’s estate since his death in 1982 – The Yarra at Kew 11. The two paintings were completed by the artist from the same vantage point along the Yarra River, but facing in opposite directions. What is most striking about these works is Williams’ diverse colour palette incorporating greens, blues, oranges, and purples.
These are just some of the new works on display as part of the gallery’s birthday celebrations. Guided tours are available Tuesday to Sunday, 11am and 2pm.