Central Goldfields Art Gallery’s latest exhibitions – Terminus: Jess Johnson & Simon Ward and Christopher Orr – Hidden in plain sight will be opened by Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Grace La Vella this Saturday, 26 August at 2.30pm.
Inspired by Sci-Fi, comics and fantasy movies, Terminus: Jess Johnson & Simon Ward is a virtual reality installation that transports the viewer into an imaginary landscape of colour and pattern populated by human clones, moving walkways and gateways to new realms.
With their pioneering use of virtual reality, artists Jess Johnson and Simon Ward hold a unique position amongst contemporary art practitioners.
Jess Johnson’s drawings are transformed from analogue into digital and from solo practice into cross-disciplinary collaboration, forming the basis of this virtual experience.
The exhibition has been animated by Simon Ward and the result is Terminus: a mysterious universe of alien architecture populated by humanoid clones and cryptic symbols, explored via a network of travellators and gateways.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Grace La Vella said our community was fortunate to have opportunities like this to appreciate and learn about the future of virtual reality art.
“This exhibition will offer a unique educational experience for young people with the opportunity to delve deeper into this art form through the National Gallery learning resources.”
Central Goldfields Art Gallery Coordinator Helen Kaptein said the Gallery is the one lucky public art gallery in Central Victoria where visitors can experience the exhibition.
“It is the first time an exhibition from the National Gallery has been presented at Central Goldfields Art Gallery and we are proud to work with the National Gallery in bringing this exhibition to the people of Central Victoria and visitors to our region.
“Terminus provides five virtual reality experiences that each last about five minutes and will take the viewer on a journey into different realms. It’s exciting to be presenting work by leading VR artists Jess Johnson and Simon Ward and to immerse ourselves and our visitors in this fast-growing field of digital artwork. Be prepared to be transported!”
The Associate Curator of Australian Art at the National Gallery – Simeran Maxwell will attend the opening and says the National Gallery is excited to bring the Terminus touring exhibition to the Central Goldfields region.
“On tour since 2019, this immersive exhibition has been to 10 other regional galleries across the country and proven to be a hit on the road with audiences of all ages. Through Terminus, artists Jess Johnson and Simon Ward have created an exciting and engaging contemporary art experience for everyone to enjoy.”
Simeran will travel to Maryborough from Canberra to provide a fascinating and free talk about the exhibition at 1.30pm on Saturday 26 August as well as speaking at the official opening at 2.30pm where everyone is invited to attend.
Terminus: Jess Johnson & Simon Ward is a National Gallery Touring Exhibition supported by Visions of Australia and the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program. Terminus was commissioned with the assistance of The Balnaves Foundation.
The exhibition is supported by education resources from the National Gallery to encourage engagement with schools.
This exhibition will be on display until 5 November 2023.
On the same day, in the Gallery’s Ramp Space, will be the launch of the exhibition of paintings titled Christopher Orr – Hidden in plain sight.
Hidden in plain sight portrays Maryborough icons in a way not normally seen. His artworks give the viewer a chance to appreciate what the city represents and also includes artwork from places where the artist has travelled. Christopher feels inspired to paint that ‘play of light’, to capture that moment – the unseen, ineffable elements of memory, emotion, association, and the passage of time.
His artwork is held in private collections both in Australia and overseas.
Christopher Orr – Hidden in plain sight will be on display until 29 October 2023.
