Manly Art Gallery and Museum (MAG&M) is pleased to announce a new exhibition of paintings of the Ku-ring-gai, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountain regions by Sydney artist Laura Jones.
The Garden Exhibition has been developed with the artist especially for MAG&M, and reflects Laura Jones’ close connection to these regions.
A bold colourist, Jones is known for her increasingly diverse interests; from exploring the floral still-life genre to the impact of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef and Antarctica.
Mayor Michael Regan said the exhibition explores Ms Jones’ personal observations of both the fragility and resilience of ecosystems and the cycle of life.
“Laura Jones is clearly inspired by the natural wonder of the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Ku-ring-gai areas and this is very much reflected in her works.”
The exhibition is accompanied by a printed catalogue, with an essay penned by arts writer, Elli Walsh, which sheds light on Jones’ work and artistic practice.
“Fusing the tenors of Romanticism with Realism, Laura Jones poeticises the beauty of these landscapes whilst reflecting on the ruination of the Black Summer bush fires, which directly affected her family, friends and community.”
Laura Jones is primarily a painter, but she also produces drawings, prints and sculptures. She has regularly exhibited in public and commercial galleries since 2011. Residencies include travel to two scientific research stations: The Australian Museum’s Lizard Island Research Station and the University of Queensland's Heron Island Research Station.
She has also been Artist in Residence at The Glasshouse Regional Art Gallery and the Byron Bay School of Art, completed extensive private residencies in New York and Japan, and was artist on board the 2018 WWF Expedition to Antarctica.
Jones has been a finalist in several art awards, including the Archibald Prize, the Portia Geach Memorial Award, the Kings School Art Prize, the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship and the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize. Her work is held in the Artbank collection and private collections in Australia and overseas.
Laura Jones: The Garden Exhibition commences 4 December and finishes 14 February 2021.
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Artist-led Tours
Saturday 5 December, 3pm and 4pm
Join Laura on a walk through her exhibition to look at the paintings in detail and to discuss the ideas she explores through her work.
Bookings essential
Masterclass
Monday 18 January, 10am – 2pm
Artists are invited to join Laura for a special workshop aimed at taking a fresh look at botanicals through the use of line and colour, using drawing, pastel or paint. She will present a brief talk, followed by a Q&A, then provide each artist with feedback and instruction on their approach to painting the still life installation she sets up.
Cost: $60. BYO materials.
Bookings essential