Anyone with an even remote interest in contemporary art, issues of the moment, life at the leading edge should see this exhibition. Even those who prefer the traditional couldn’t complain about the exquisite miniature mask from the Congo, Goya etching and early Roger Kemp work. It’s eclectic, it’s stimulating but best of all it’s uplifting in a way which the best of the new can be.

Curator Robert Hirschmann has gathered the artworks from the studios and galleries of leading Australian contemporary artists. In addition to an example of the artists work, he has asked for a work from their personal collection. A work which inspires and guides their contemporary artmaking.

The results are very interesting.

Of course it makes perfect sense that Bruce Armstrong is inspired by Goya the life size standing figure, with friendly or not bear at the gallery entrance relates well to the dilemmas which Goya depicts. And the Gunter Christman painting of the big ball of fabric remnants is matched by the actual ball, made by his wife. There are other marriage matches of art as well. Ben Quilty is represented by a very impressive sculpture, an addition to his skills as a portrait painter which won him the 2011 Archibald Prize.

Exhibits include carvings from New Guinea, photographs, religious antiques, a knitted wool installation, many paintings and unconventional works of all kinds. There is literally more than something for everyone, and of a very high standard as well. Eighty works are included, representing forty artists and their collection piece of choice. 

“There are very few exhibitions with this variety and scale presented in public galleries. We have enjoyed the development of the exhibition, the arrival of so many works from far afield and the final presentation, which I personally think is a complete knockout”. Director Simon Klose said.

“We congratulate Robert Hirschmann on his selection and the excitement which the exhibition creates. We really want people to come along and enjoy an up to the minute review of much of Australian art and artists”.

John Kelly is an artist who enjoys both an established reputation supported by lovers of traditional skills and to some extent images alongside an inclination to behave as the enfant terrible. His earlier images of cows grazing in meadows green are in fact, dummy cows which were used by the armed forces in WW2 and set to fields in New Guinea - the principle fabricator and painter of those cows was William Dobell - a well known historical figure in Australian art and also a creator of controversy. Kelly’s contribution to the later positioning of his reputation relates to the re or de construction of the Australia Council logo. The principal government funding agency for the arts has, in his opinion earned this special treatment. The gallery holds four works by John Kelly which give a fair representation of his scope and range to date.

Copyright - Icon Interior - Juan Davila.
Focus: Juan Davila - highlights Juan Davila and the Benalla Collection in an interesting and varied way.
Two stunning installations created jointly by the Masters of Collaboration, Juan Davila and Howard Arkley, go on public display for the very first time together at the Benalla Art Gallery.
This exhibition features works by Juan Davila, Howard Arkley and Alison Burton.

Organised by the Polish Art Foundation, Melbourne. This exhibition features a selection of drawings submitted by emerging artists as well as works by established artists from around the world. It will also will Include prize winning works from previous biennale exhibitions.

Angelica Arriagada, originally from Chile, started painting in her father’s studio in the Andes. Her first exhibition was in the school of fine arts, University of Chile. She went on to further study at Queensland and Melbourne University and now holds a Master of Education degree.

A special exhibition featuring works from the Benalla Art Gallery collection curated by former Benalla Art Gallery Director, John Jones.

A special exhibition featuring works from the Benalla Art Gallery collection curated by former Benalla Art Gallery Director, John Jones.

Tim Bowtell is a local artist who paints from his studio in Samaria - 30kms from Benalla. His subject matter is of scenes that are considered iconic. But there is an added element of intrigue as he includes a visual narrative with characters to the local imagry.