Hervey Bay Regional Gallery is set to launch its 2025 season with three compelling solo exhibitions by female artists connected to the Fraser Coast, exploring themes of motherhood, ancestral connections, and resilience.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the official opening will also unveil an expanded ‘National Interests’ exhibition, featuring iconic works on long-term loan from the National Gallery of Australia.
The three solo exhibitions, featuring works by Natalie Lavelle, Emma Thorp, and Joyce Watson, were officially launched by Adam Lindsay, Deputy Director of the National Gallery of Australia, at the opening event.
“Emma Thorp’s exhibition, ‘The In Between’, explores the delicate balance between motherhood and artistic practice. Using humour and vibrant storytelling, Emma transforms everyday domestic tasks into creative expressions of the challenge to carve out time for art.”
Arts and Culture spokesperson Sara Diana Faraj said Natalie Lavelle’s ‘In the Making’ marks her first major exhibition on the Fraser Coast.
“Natalie grew up in Hervey Bay, and we’re thrilled to showcase her latest collection, which explores the sensory experience of painting through colour, form, and texture,” she said.
“Aunty Joyce Watson's exhibition, ‘Family and Country, many people's stories,’ delves into her ancestral ties to Waanyi Country in North West Queensland, highlighting themes of endurance and connection through various mediums.
“This deeply personal exhibition weaves together new and existing works across textiles, sculpture, bronzes, drawing, and printmaking.”
‘In the Making’, ‘The In Between’ and ‘Family and Country, many people’s stories’ are on display at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery from 1 March to 11 May 2025.
Cr Seymour said the Fraser Coast has a colourful and vibrant cultural life, and Council is committed to ensuring the community has opportunities to appreciate arts, heritage and cultural diversity.
“Alongside these three ambitious exhibitions will be the ‘National Interests: Australian Art in the 20th Century’ exhibition, which explores the cultural legacy of modern Australia, pairing artworks from the gallery’s collection with significant pieces from the National Gallery of Australia,” he said.
“This exhibition spans six decades, from 1936 to 1997, showcasing how Australian artists have responded to history, change and the search for a national identity.
“We’re excited to kick off the 2025 season with such powerful exhibitions and encourage the community to explore the though-provoking and powerful works on display.”
For more information, including opening hours, go to www.hbrg.com.au
