Great mix of art on show in Geraldton
A new art exhibition featuring work from Mid West artists, curated by a Geraldton resident, officially opened at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery on Friday, May 31.
The Alternative Archive: Truths, Myths and Legends of the Midwest is one of 13 exhibitions across regional WA exploring the stories that are often overlooked in the region.
The Geraldton exhibition — a Creative Grid initiative — features 12 local artists hand-picked by first-time curator Ingrid Horn.
Although some of the artists were not born and bred in the Mid West, Horn said they still had a special connection with the region.
“The artists are not all locals, some have moved here and made Geraldton their home,” she said.
“My idea was of stories that often don’t get attention because other stories dominate.
“Straight away I had some in mind and approached them, some were suggested to me.
“When I put the list together and we went over it we thought it was a great mix of mediums and people.”
Many of the artists have exhibited their work before, with some having their own solo exhibitions in the past.
But for Horn, who works at the Museum of Geraldton, The Alternative Archive was the first time she curated an exhibition.
Mentored by GRAG’s Eve York and The Alternative Archive lead curator Anna Louise Richardson, Horn said it was an incredible opportunity, if a little overwhelming at times.
“It’s been quite daunting and scary, but I’ve been well supported,” she said.
“It is quite challenging when you’ve never done it before ... but I’ve learnt so much.
“I’d like to have a break (from curating) after this, but I wouldn’t rule out doing it again.”
Geraldton-born artist Brian McKinnon’s thought-provoking exhibition My Story is also on display at the gallery.
McKinnon, the son of an Amungu mother and Wongai father, grew up in a Geraldton fringe camp known as Blood Alley and left home to find work when he was 12.
The collection of paintings from the Geelong-based artist explores the consequences of racism and a lack of compassion in society.
Both exhibitions will be on display until July 21.
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