LIGHT SENSITIVE MATERIAL: WORKS FROM THE VERGHIS COLLECTION

The Bathurst Regional Art Gallery is pleased to present a vibrant selection of photographic, light and digital media works from the collection of one of Australia’s youngest art collectors - Rachel Verghis.

Light Sensitive Material: Works from the Verghis Collection will be the first public exhibition drawn from the private collection of Rachel Verghis. Curated by Richard Perram (Director, Bathurst Regional Art Gallery) in association with Lisa Corsi (Collection Manager, Verghis Collection), the exhibition brings together a group of 12 contemporary Australian artists whose use of ‘light’ is integral to their work.

Artists include: Shoufay Derz, Hayden Fowler, Shaun Gladwell, Newell Harry, Petrina Hicks, Jonathan Jones, David Knight, Rosemary Laing, Vanila Netto, Michael Riley, Julie Rrap and Hossein Valamanesh.

While the majority of works are photographic (Derz, Hicks, Knight, Laing, Netto, Riley, Rrap and Valamanesh) the inclusion of other media—specifically fluro and neon light sculptures (Jones and Harry) and moving image (Gladwell and Fowler)—brings a fresh perspective to the use of light in visual art. These light-dependant works embrace their medium as a way of informing their subject. The literal focus on light sensitive material strengthens metaphor and supports meaning.

In Jones’ White Poles, 2003, illuminated fluorescent tubes become political with their contrast of light and dark; Derz’s photographed formations of tea-light candles allude to spirituality and time; Fowler bathes his cast of animals in an artificial and clinical light in his studio shot digital video works; while light differs again still in Riley’s poetic photographs.

The exhibition includes Gladwell’s iconic video piece Storm Sequence, which was shown at the prestigious 52nd International Art Exhibition, Venice Biennale, curated by Robert Storr, 2007. Gladwell is Australia’s current representative at the 53rd Venice Biennale.

An astute eye has ensured that the Verghis Collection offers a carefully accumulated representation of contemporary art. The Verghis Collection began modestly with a great deal of passion and enthusiasm in 2003, with a particular interest in emerging artists. It has developed into a significant body of works documenting an important period in Australian contemporary art. Collections of this kind play an important role in the support of Australian artists. The public exhibition of these collections is crucial to educating audiences about Australian contemporary art and to developing a broad appreciation for various art forms.

A Bathurst Regional Art Gallery Exhibition in conjucnction with Rachel Verghis and ARTCELL.