Colour, culture and creativity combine in new art exhibition

Music, theatre, dance and comedy have inspired a new exhibition by artists living and working on Redlands Coast, opening in November at the Redland Art Gallery RPAC Mezzanine Gallery.

The annual In Focus exhibition brings diverse artists and art groups together and features works across a range of media.

Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said the influence of local performance art in the variety of visual styles and expressions of In Focus 2024 demonstrates the diversity of talent within the region.

“It’s wonderful to see the colour, creativity and culture of our community represented by the artists in this exhibition,” she said.

Local artists were invited to explore how they could evoke, reminisce and capture the essence of performance through their work. They were encouraged to visit performances for inspiration.

Artist Lynne Williams took inspiration from the natural performers outside her window, represented in her detailed textile-based creations.

“At daybreak, the resident butcherbirds begin their melodious concert,” she said.

“Their beautiful songs are a joy to hear at the start of the day. With mobility challenges, I look to nature for my musical entertainment, and it does not disappoint.”

Pamela Daggett’s playful painting Street Theatre was inspired by the antics of her teacher daughter’s Year 12 Drama students.

“She introduced a fun and active segment based around comedy routines,” she said.

“My painting is of one such event. These crazy people were mingling among the guests, no spoken word, all mime.”

In Not your typical Nutbush, artist Ayisha Karabasic invites viewers to appreciate multicultural concepts.

Born in Brisbane, raised by an Australian mother, and then later her Bosnian/Muslim father, Karabasic has a deep appreciation for equality and the concept of “other”.

Her painting plays on the much-loved 1970s song and dance, Nutbush City Limits by Tina Turner, and a traditional Bosnian circle dance called “Kolo”.

The viewer is invited to appreciate a yellow and blue scheme inspired by the Bosnian flag and acknowledge parallels between popular Australian and Bosnian dances.

Redland Art Galleries manager Kerryanne Farrer said the passion and creativity of the local artists featured via In Focus captured the essence of “performance”.

“The artworks are vibrant and varied, and we are excited to showcase our homegrown talent in this annual event, fittingly at the RPAC Mezzanine Gallery, combining the visual and performing arts,” Ms Farrer said.

In Focus 2024 opens Friday 1 November and continues until Friday 13 December at the Redland Art Gallery RPAC Mezzanine, Redland Performing Arts Centre, 2-16 Middle St, Cleveland.

A morning tea and artists talks will be held on Saturday 9 November, from 10am to noon, with bookings available https://bit.ly/OpeningInFocus24