It’s the middle of August, which means there are only a couple of weeks left to make the most of the 2019 South Australian Living Artists Festival. With 8000 artists participating in almost 700 exhibitions, we’ve picked a few of the top shows you can visit this weekend.

Words Ben Kelly

Ghost in the gallery

During SALA, The Art Gallery of South Australia presents Honor Freeman: Ghost Objects, showing until September 29. Honor Freeman’s practice commemorates the smaller moments that are a constant rhythm of the everyday. Working primarily in porcelain, she harnesses the mimetic qualities inherent in clay through the magic of slip casting; creating playful works that interact with ideas of liquid made solid. The porcelain casts echo the original objects; becoming a precise memory of a past form, like a ghost.

Details: agsa.sa.gov.au

Wild imagination

With their unique personalities, artists Mark Lobert, Kevin Golding and Greer Tappert enjoy working together to inspire and push the boundaries of creativity through imagination. “We share the same creative passion with no rules, no boundaries,” says Mark. “Through the use of bold bright colours, different techniques and interpretations, you’ll step into our energy and creative minds — and that’s what we want to share with you.” Their combined exhibition Imagination runs at Mark Lobert Gallery, Alberton, until August 31. 

Details: marklobertgallery.com

All in the detail

At the Rob Gutteridge School of Classical Realism, located on Whitmore Square, 100 Shades of Grey is presented by a group of emerging artists. The exhibition will draw observers into a contemplative world; a place of patience and process. Taught by critically acclaimed artist Rob Gutteridge in the traditional Atelier method, the artists are dedicated to enriching their arts practice by developing their drawing and painting skills. The school is the first accredited Classical Realism atelier in the southern hemisphere. The exhibition runs from August 3 to 31, open Thursday to Sunday. 

Details: rgcr.com.au

Glass art on show

South Australian glass artist Drew Spangenberg presents his first solo exhibition Equipoise at Worth Gallery on The Parade West, Kent Town, until September 20. Exploring themes of composition, positive and negative space, balance and form, his blown glasswork is elegant, whimsical and funky. The glass vessels complement each other in careful compositions that harmoniously juxtapose form and colour. Drew was awarded a Helpmann Academy grant to make the work for the show, and was selected as a finalist in SALA’s Contemporary Art Award.

Details: worthgallery.com

The everyday reimagined

Pre-eminent South Australian contemporary artist, and feature artist of the 2019 SALA Festival, Louise Haselton presents her exhibition like cures like at the Samstag Museum of Art until September 27. An influential artist at a pivotal time in her career, Haselton offers glimpses of the curious life of everyday and overlooked things. Centred on new work, like cures like speculates on the liveliness and communicative power of inanimate objects, and the invisible forces that bind and repel the world around us.

Details: unisa.edu.au/samstagmuseum

When inspiration strikes

Go Van Gogh is a unique SALA exhibition at Art Images Gallery, showcasing work by 21 South Australian artists inspired by Vincent van Gogh, considered by many to be the greatest artist of all time. See what interpretations local artists make of such a master painter, including paintings, prints, sculpture, photography, glass, ceramics and jewellery. Showing until September 1.

Details: artimagesgallery.com.au

Metal, porcelain and paint

Until August 24, Marleston gallery BMG Art will host Miscellanea: Mixed Metals, Porcelain & Paint, celebrating the work of artists Phillip McGillivray-Tory, Nona Burden and Stephanie James. These contemporary artists explore their respective themes through mixed metals, porcelain and paint. Phillip interprets the South Australian landscape, Nona explores the notion of perception still life paintings of everyday objects, and Stephanie is inspired by indigenous basket weaving in her sculptural porcelain objects.

Details: bmgart.com.au

Train of thought

Renowned landscape painter and one of Australia’s finest artists, David Dridan is the invited artist for a special SALA exhibition of new and diverse works by 17 talented artists. Hosted by Stationmaster’s Art Gallery, Strathalbyn, the exhibition offers the opportunity to view five rooms of art, but also the historic building, which is formerly a stationmaster’s residence. Open throughout August and open daily from 10am to 4pm.

Details: facebook.com/StationmastersArtGallery

Through the lens

Photographer Leonid Olijnyk will present an exhibition of fine art photographs at Photographic Art Gallery, located at 6 Yalpa Road, Marino. Open every Saturday and Sunday in August, the gallery will present his exquisite portraiture work, executed with his unique style of photography and presentation.

Details: photographicartgallery.com.au

 

salafestival.com