General News
24 August, 2023
Exhibitions to bring virtual reality and local scenes to gallery
The Central Goldfields Art Gallery is set to be transformed into a new virtual reality installation with two exhibitions launching this weekend, including the gallery’s first showing of a National Gallery exhibition. Terminus: Jess Johnson &...
The Central Goldfields Art Gallery is set to be transformed into a new virtual reality installation with two exhibitions launching this weekend, including the gallery’s first showing of a National Gallery exhibition.
Terminus: Jess Johnson & Simon Ward and Christopher Orr — Hidden in plain sight will officially open at the gallery tomorrow, Saturday, August 26 and offer something for locals and visitors alike.
Inspired by Sci-Fi, comics and fantasy movies, Terminus is a virtual reality installation that transports the viewer into an imaginary landscape of colour and pattern populated by human clones, moving walkways and gateways to new realms.
Ms Johnson’s drawings are transformed from analogue into digital and from solo practice into cross-disciplinary collaboration, forming the basis of this virtual experience.
The exhibition has been animated by Mr Ward and the result is Terminus — a mysterious universe of alien architecture populated by humanoid clones and cryptic symbols, explored through a network of travellators and gateways.
Central Goldfields Art Gallery coordinator Helen Kaptein said the gallery is the one lucky public art gallery in central Victoria where visitors can experience the Terminus exhibition.
“It is the first time an exhibition from the National Gallery has been presented at Central Goldfields Art Gallery and we are proud to work with the National Gallery in bringing this exhibition to the people of central Victoria and visitors to our region,” she said.
“Terminus provides five virtual reality experiences that each last about five minutes and will take the viewer on a journey into different realms.
“It’s exciting to be presenting work by leading VR artists Jess Johnson and Simon Ward and to immerse ourselves and our visitors in this fast-growing field of digital artwork.”
The associate curator of Australian art at the National Gallery, Simeran Maxwell will attend the opening and says the National Gallery is excited to bring the Terminus touring exhibition to the Central Goldfields region.
“On tour since 2019, this immersive exhibition has been to 10 other regional galleries across the country and proven to be a hit on the road with audiences of all ages,” he said.
“Through Terminus, artists Jess Johnson and Simon Ward have created an exciting and engaging contemporary art experience for everyone to enjoy.”
Mr Maxwell will provide a free talk about the exhibition at 1.30 pm tomorrow, as well as speaking at the official opening at 2.30 pm where everyone is invited to attend. Terminus will run until November 5.
The work of Maryborough-based artist Christopher Orr will also be on display as of this weekend, with his Hidden in plain sight exhibition launching.
Mr Orr’s exhibition will remain on display until October 29 and will be launched alongside Terminus tomorrow at 2.30 pm.
The gallery is located at 1 Neill Street, Maryborough and is open from Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.