In the park: Georges River Artist in Residence is a new exhibition of works inspired by Carss Park which opening at the Hurstville Museum and Gallery on Saturday, August 31.
The exhibition showcases selected works from artists who have undertaken residencies at Georges River Council's Artist in Residence in Carss Park earlier this year.
Artists who have undertaken residencies include Michael Ambriano, Kassandra Bossell, Elder, Jill Samera, Soupsue and Dawei Xu, with works highlighting the diversity of the artists and their chosen media such as artist's sketchbooks, photography, ceramics, painting and mixed media works on paper.
The Carss Park Artist's Cottage, in the former ranger's house, provides a studio space and accommodation in a picturesque bush setting on the Georges River.
Kassandra Bossell, the first artist to take up residency in 2019, reflected on her time at the cottage.
"The residency was a great opportunity to focus on my chosen concept and process without distraction over a 10 week period," Kassandra said.
"The setting of goals in my application aided the activation of my intentions; the compact ten-week time period provided a deadline to work towards. These factors came together to help me to hone the concept - practice relationship. It was a wonderful experience," she said.
Soupsue spent a month living on site, working 24/7 in the studio, which she describes as a liberating and exhilarating experience.
"For the first time in 20 years I was able to dedicate a large chunk of thought, time and energy solely in the action of researching, experimenting and making art. literally lived and breathed my art making practice," Soupsue said.
"The availability of a live-in studio space with a large, dedicated, well-lit workspace enabled me to work on a collection of art making activities at once, developing a body of work which will continue to expand.
"The surrounding landscape provided great stimulus for ideas and reflection. As a re-emerging artist this residency has been the most important contributor to my art making practice for a very long time," she said.
The Artist in Residence program aims to foster connections and interactions between people, introducing artists, experiences and opportunities to the Georges River community.
Each artist, as a condition of undertaking their residency, is asked to provide a contribution to cultural life in the Georges River area. This could be facilitating a workshop, donating an artwork, working with a community group or holding an exhibition.
Georges River Council selected 15 artists to participate in the Artist in Residence program from 2018 to 2020.
The exhibition In the park: Georges River Artist in Residence opens August 31 at 2pm and runs to September 29.
Details:
- Hurstville Museum and Gallery, 14 MacMahon Street, Hurstville
- Opening hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Sunday, 2pm to 5pm.
- Cost: Free
