New exhibition opens as a celebration of Spring and identity
The Write Gallery, within The Lighthouse, has just announced Botanicals an exhibition by Artist and Designer Tarn McLean.
Published: 1 September 2022
Written by Sam Kirby
For many Toowoombians, and for readers of the The Field Guide, the names The Lighthouse Toowoomba and The Write Gallery would not be unfamiliar; in just our most recent Winter Edition, we took the opportunity to spotlight the mission of the The Lighthouse and their work in the area of children’s literacy, and The Write Gallery events often feature on the TFG Calendar.
…Indeed, a quick preview of The Lighthouse Toowoomba’s website is a veritable menagerie of events, with everything from lecture series to poetry workshops, literacy programs to art exhibitions, to origami lessons, recontouring and podcasting tutorials. And yet, what binds this sometimes-eclectic grouping of events together, is a driving force that though the medium might change, the importance and power of storytelling is constant.
There’s a quote we read a while ago that boldly asserts “stories keep culture alive” (in fact it’s now scrawled across the whiteboard that proudly sits atop the bookcase in our office, so much did it strike us). That, beyond ink on a page or paint on a canvas, “stories are a timeless link to our traditions, to the legends and myths that have formed us”; but more than that, that “they connect us to truths about ourselves and the world around us”.
It came as no great surprise then when The Write Gallery recently announced its latest art exhibition, that at its very heart was this same intentionality and desire to connect and transform through story.
Botanicals – Tarn McLean
Opening on Saturday September 3rd, and coinciding with Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers, Tarn McLean’s Exhibition Botanicals focuses on storytelling through different flora and fauna.
The accomplished artist, designer, and Doctor of Philosophy, Tarn explains how the exhibition is designed to ignite identity in her audience. That as a visual story it reflects the message of heritage, anchored by nature, art, culture and architecture, and that it was inspired in part by the botanical paintings of her great, great grandfather whose own works hang amongst the Australian National Library.
“Botanicals are MORE than an artists’ colour delight, they have stories and cultural histories that hold meanings which connect us all, to our earth and to each other, and by creating a month-long event during Carnival of flowers we have the opportunity to share stories and hopefully inspire others to discover their own.”
With over 35 paintings, 22 fabric designs, a video installation and drawing workshops for adults and children, both young and old will be intrigued and inspired by the unique displays.
The exhibition runs from 3-30 September at The Write Gallery, Toowoomba.
More information can be found here.
