Photographic, light and digital works at Shoalhaven Arts Centre

Jonathan Jones. white poles. 2003. fluorescent tubes and fittings, dimensions variable
Photo: Fiona Morrison. Image courtesy the artist and Gallery Barry Keldoulis
Collection Rachel Verghis

Light Sensitive Material: works from the Verghis Collection

Exhibition runs 24 May to 14 July 2013. Launched: Saturday 25 May, 2–2pm

The Shoalhaven City Arts Centre, a Regional Gallery of NSW, is currently hosting the regional tour of Light Sensitive Works from the Verghis Collection in its main gallery.

The exhibition is a vibrant selection of photographic, light and digital works from the collection of Rachel Verghis, one of Australia’s youngest and most passionate art collectors and philanthropists. 

Verghis began her collection in 2003 with a particular interest in emerging contemporary artists. At the time, realising she had a passion for visual art, she took a break from her career in banking to volunteer at Sherman Galleries in Sydney. She credits this experience with her lifelong passion for contemporary art, both in Australia and internationally.

Included in the show are works by 14 emerging and mid-career Australian artists who have used light in some form as an integral aspect of their practice. Artists include Shaun Gladwell, Jonathan Jones, Petrina Hicks, Vanila Netto, Hayden Fowler and Newell Harry.

Vanila Netto. Little Red Rugged Rocking Roof. 2004. digital print on aluminium, 72 x 99cm. Edition 1 of 5
Image courtesy the artist and BREENSPACE Sydney and Arc One Gallery Melbourne. Collection Rachel Verghis

While most of the works are photographic, other media – fluro and neon light sculptures by Jones and Harry, together with Gladwell’s and Fowler’s video works – highlight the use and quality of light in visual art. One of Australia’s most celebrated video artists, Gladwell’s Storm Sequence, was shown at the prestigious 52nd International Art Exhibition, Venice Biennale in 2007.

Jonathan Jones is a Sydney-based artist of Kamilaroi/Wiradjuri heritage who explores his indigenous world through western materials. His White Poles, 2003, illuminated fluorescent tubes become political with their contrast of light and dark.

Petrina Hicks. Shenae and Jade. 2005. lightjet print 142 x 134cm. Edition AP
Image courtesy the artist and Stills Gallery. Collection Rachel Verghis

Petrina Hicks is currently one of Australia’s best known young photographers. Practising in what is traditionally termed portraiture, Hicks constantly challenges the boundaries of photography to create works of lasting impact and beauty, such as the unsettling and unconventional portrait, Shenae and Jade.

Also showing at the Arts Centre until 19 June are exhibitions by Jillian Naidu, Nadine Cooper as well as the Shoalhaven Mental Health Fellowship Open Annual Art Competition 2013.

On view: 24 May to 14 July, 2013.

Shoalhaven City Arts Centre, Berry Street, Nowra. 2541

Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10am–4pm. Saturday 11am–3pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays

Contact: 02 4429 5444.