August 11, 2020

An innovative exhibition inspired by the importance of space in artworks will open at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday, August 21.

“The Space Between” is an exhibition by Hayley Ward and Patricia Petersen that explores the use of space within a painting based on ideas and philosophies from Asia.

Patricia Petersen has just returned from studying significant contemporary Asian ink brushwork artists in Singapore, China and Japan, which inspired her artworks. “I have always been fascinated by the Asian concept of giving respect and equal importance to the painted and unpainted space of a painting,” Patricia said.

“Traditionally, the painted area can be seen to energise the white space. Paul Gauguin, who was influenced by Japanese wood block prints stated that ‘The most important in art is what is not stated’.”

Hayley Ward explores the Japanese practice of Boro and the concept of Wabi-Sabi using found objects and encaustic wax paint.

Boro are well-used Japanese textiles that have been mended or patched together using sashiko (little stabs) stitching. Wabi-Sabi relates to a particular Japanese aesthetic and celebrates the earthy, imperfect and variegated.

“I hope to bring attention to the overlooked beauty of worn and discarded objects that are no longer valued and to encourage people to reassess our throwaway culture,” Hayley Ward said.

What: “The Space Between” Exhibition 2020 Official Opening: 6pm Friday, 21st August, 2020 Exhibition continues until: Friday, 18th September, 2020

Light refreshments provided.

Free tickets can be booked through the “Buy Tickets” link at www.thecivic.com.au Gunnedah Shire Council is asking guests to book a free ticket to attend the opening to ensure COVIDSafe protocols.

Captions: Patricia Petersen works on an artwork

ENDS Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.