The TarraWarra Museum of Art is on the verge of captivating art enthusiasts with three concurrent exhibitions that shine a light on the intricate dance between contemporary art and modernist principles. Set to open from 23 March to 14 July 2024, these exhibitions feature the innovative works of Melbourne-based artists Peter Atkins and Dana Harris, alongside a groundbreaking survey of Clement Meadmore’s industrial designs.
Titled SUPERsystems, Atkins and Harris’s exhibition is a testament to the vibrant dialogue between new artistic visions and the foundational elements of modernism. Atkins’s readymade abstraction brings everyday imagery into the realm of high art, redefining American designer Maurice Binder’s iconic title sequence for the film Dr. No into 92 distinct abstract paintings. Harris, on the other hand, offers fancywork, a series of hand-embroidered panels that capture the desolation and beauty of Melbourne’s CBD during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Her work meticulously explores the city’s altered rhythms through intricate patterns, supported by Creative Australia.
Parallelly, The Industrial Design of Clement Meadmore: The Harris/Atkins Collection grants a comprehensive look at Meadmore’s trailblazing modernist designs, curated meticulously over two and a half decades by Atkins and Harris. This exhibition encapsulates Meadmore’s innovative manipulation of basic materials into functional, yet beautifully minimal designs.
Complementing these exhibitions, Systems and Structures draws from TarraWarra’s own collection to spotlight Australian artists who embody the principles of pattern, geometry, and repetition. This show underscores the common threads that link contemporary artistic practices back to the legacies of modernism.
Curator Anthony Fitzpatrick regards these exhibitions as a unique opportunity to juxtapose contemporary and modernist artworks, offering fresh perspectives on both movements. With added attractions such as the TarraWarra Festival and an engaging Artists in Conversation event, the Museum sets the stage for a profound exploration of art’s evolving nature.
Exhibition Highlights:
- School Holiday Workshop: Geometric Body Movement – A playful exploration of geometry through movement.
- Slow Art Day – An immersive workshop devoted to the art of slow looking.
- Artists in Conversation – Insights into the practices and influences of Atkins and Harris alongside modernist legacies.
TarraWarra’s latest offerings promise to be a reflective journey through the evolution of art, beautifully illustrating the ongoing dialogue between past and present creative practices.