From the epic migration of the Bogong moth to stories of memory, cultural ties across the Indian Ocean and our relationship with the natural world, three new exhibitions by women artists are now on show at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery in Nowra.
The exhibitions, supported by funding from Create NSW, opened on 10 October and run until 21 November in a season that explores identity, place, migration and the enduring connections between people and places they call home.
“The gallery is proud to be opening three exhibitions by female artists Mariana del Castillo, Patrice Wills and Supina Bytol,” said Shoalhaven Regional Gallery Director, Zanny Begg.
“Two of these exhibitions were selected through an expression of interest process with one of these opportunities reserved for an artist living in the Shoalhaven area,” Ms Begg said.
“The third exhibition was selected as part of the gallery’s curatorial commitment to support emerging artists in developing exciting new works. All three exhibitions showcase the connections artists feel to our natural environment,” she said.
In What the Dark Remembers, Ecuador-born artist Mariana del Castillo draws on childhood stories of the Black Witch moth and connects them with Australia’s Bogong moth, which have been seen in large numbers on the South Coast as they migrate to the Australian Alps.
Through sculptural moth forms made from repurposed fabrics, eco-prints and glowing threads, del Castillo creates an immersive installation exploring migration, transformation and belonging, accompanied by a soundscape from Gregor Asch (DJ Olive).
Shoalhaven artist Patrice Wills presents Living all the way through, a new body of paintings and ceramics developed with gallery support for local artists.
Wills’ work explores the relationship between the outer natural landscape and the inner landscape of the human spirit, positioning rivers, skies and shorelines as active participants in shaping identity.
In Home Island – Cocos Island Dreaming, artist Supina Bytol presents a major new commission combining film, sound and printmaking.
The multi-sensory installation explores cultural connections between the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and regional Western Australia, revealing stories of Cocos Malay migration to WA, resilience and intergenerational memory.
The gallery is calling for applications for the 2027 Ngaoara Fellowship, a funded exhibition and mentorship opportunity for emerging First Nations artists.
The fellowship builds on the success of previous recipients Nicole Smede (2025) and Aaron Kennedy (2026), and in 2027 will offer mentorship from acclaimed contemporary artist Danie Mellor.
Applications will be assessed by a panel of First Nations arts professionals, including Cheryl Davison, Allen Bloxsome and Tess Allas.
Applications close 21 November 2026, with the successful recipient announced in early December. The fellowship exhibition will be presented from 19 June to 7 August 2027.
