The next two exhibitions commencing 4 June are:

‘Studio’- Juliana Hilton – Oil paintings

and

‘Reconnections’ – Trudi Harley – Oil paintings 

Falkner Gallery is re-opening Thursday 4 June with two new, exciting exhibitions and a number of changes and precautions.

The exhibitions are showcasing still-life oil paintings by well-known local artist Juliana Hilton and Williamstown artist Trudi Harley, both former art teachers.

Juliana Hilton has lived in Castlemaine, Maldon and other Central Victorian towns for over 50 years. Her exhibition ‘Studio’ was planned for 2020 to acknowledge her long connection with the area, as well as to celebrate her 80th Birthday in July.

The Covid 19 pandemic threatened to prevent both celebrations but Falkner Gallery is pleased to announce ‘Studio’ will commence upstairs as planned on 4 June. Naomi Cass, Director of C.A.M. Renewal was to open the Show but as large gatherings indoors are still not permitted, the Show will commence with a limit of 4 visitors per room at a time, 20 in the whole building.

‘Studio’ is a series of large and small oil paintings on canvas. They are intensely vibrant, joyous expressions of Juliana’s painting studio environments. Bright, colourful semi-abstract still-life compositions include furniture and ephemera from her workspaces and special possessions and gifts from her friends. Her dramatic painting style is unmistakable and has made her a highly collected Victorian artist.

Accompanying this exhibition is ‘Reconnections’ by Trudi Harley.  Her oil paintings are exquisite, highly realistic studies reminiscent of times past. Each composition is a minutely detailed depiction of objects hanging by string in the style of the Spanish Bodegón painters. Intimate objects such as lace handkerchiefs, silver sugar spoons, glass oil jugs, vintage padlocks – are depicted with incredible realism. Her choice of subject matter and her realistic style connect her and the viewer with the past. She writes ‘Through referencing themes and objects drawn from the everyday l explore the notion that shared memories and experiences contribute to a sense of belonging and community.’ [Harley]

Further representative works by each artist may be seen by clicking their images on the home page at: www.falknergallery.com.au.

Throughout the gallery are also displayed new works by Margaret Cromb, Tarli Glover, Liz Caffin, Carolyn Graham, Garth Henderson, Robert Marnika and others.

Careful precautions are in place in the gallery: visitors limited to 4 per room, collection of contact details, use of sanitiser stations, a ‘no touch’ policy for artworks on walls, in boxes, books and racks. All rooms in the building will be sprayed with disinfectant each evening and frequently used surfaces will be disinfected twice daily.