Concrete art and design exhibition opening soon in our regional gallery

30 March 2021

Bega Valley Regional Gallery is excited to announce its next public exhibition, CONCRETE: Art Design Architecture; officially opening on Friday 9 April at 6pm.

“We are privileged to be able to offer a ground-breaking concrete exhibition showcasing renowned Australian artists, designers and architects,” Gallery Director, Iain Dawson said.

“This exhibition explores innovative ways that concrete is being used by 21 artists, designers and architects across Australia.”

With a history spanning more than 3,000 years, concrete was first used by Egyptians in the building of the pyramids before the Romans produced what today we call hydraulic cement-based concrete, used most dramatically in the Pantheon (completed 128AD).

The secrets of concrete were lost with the fall of the Roman Empire, and it was not until the early 19th century that, through the development of Portland Cement, modern concrete was born.

“Concrete is everywhere, and yet we rarely consider its impact on our lives and its role in the development of modern societies,” Mr Dawson said.

“CONCRETE: Art Design Architecture questions our preconceptions of concrete and considers its functional use, as well as its expressive, poetic and aesthetic dimensions.

“The range of work in this exhibition is extensive; exhibitors have used concrete to create beautiful places of worship, designed striking concrete outdoor furniture, produced thought-provoking sculptural works and intricately detailed jewellery.”

CONCRETE: Art Design Architecture is supported by Visions of Australia funding through the Australian Government’s Department of Communications and Arts and the South Australian Government through the Department of Skills and Industry.

Admission to the exhibition is free and can viewed at the Bega Valley Regional Gallery from 9 April until 18 June. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.

If you are unable to attend the Gallery in person, you can view this superb range of work online via the Gallery website.