Refugium

Sat 3 Apr 2021Thu 22 Apr 2021

10:00am4:00pm

Museum of the Great Southern


In this exhibition, twenty artists from the Great Southern investigate themes related to global and local environmental issues.

The concept of refugium in this exhibition applies to the resilience of both the natural and human environment. The combined forces of a viral pandemic and overwhelming climate disasters have tested our ability to adapt and survive on many levels. Our attention has been drawn increasingly towards the devastating loss of species and habitat occurring on a planetary scale.

There are many different ideas expressed in this thought-provoking exhibition. A visit to the Twin Creeks Conservation Reserve, hosted by the Friends of the Porongurup Range, was the catalyst for several of the artworks. Some of the artists have been inspired by the resilience of nature following the fires in the Stirling Ranges last year. While some artworks focus on the artist's own neighbourhood, other artists have looked globally for their inspiration.

The participating artists are Susan Angwin, Kerrie Argent, Christine Baker, Kate Campbell-Pope, Ann Copeman, Jenny Crisp, Annette Davis, Phoebe Duff, Nikki Green, Anne Grotian, Catherine Higham, Robyn Lees, Barbara Madden, Rachel Mordy, Jill O’Meehan, Nat Rad, Lizzie Riley, Margaret Sanders, Renee Tan, and Jo Wassell. The artists work in a wide range of media including installations, photography, painting, textiles, drawing and sculpture.

The exhibition also includes poetry written by local poet, Yann Toussaint, in response to the exhibition and the artworks.

The artists have appreciated the input of ideas and information from the nature restoration groups Gondwana Link and Friends of the Porongurup Range, and the support of the Museum of the Great Southern.