High-class rural talents have taken centre stage at the Kapunda Gallery as it welcomes a former Barossa artist and an emerging Riverland illustrative storyteller to exhibit in the region.
Anthea Piszczuk’s ‘Finding My Visual Voice’ and Kari Cooper’s ‘Folklore and Fairytales’ exhibitions were officially opened yesterday and will be on display until the 20th of July.
Tony Piccolo MP, who was in attendance, said while the pieces are quite different, both demonstrate how art can be both deeply personal and universally resonant.
“All art invites interpretation from every observer, and that’s what’s so powerful about the world of art and the various messages it can convey,” said Mr Piccolo.
“There is evidently a lot of talent on display, and I love that the Kapunda community is giving artists not just locally, but across other communities the chance to showcase their creativity and dedication.
“The community also have an opportunity to explore the great artists we have across our state right here at the Kapunda Gallery.”
District Council of Loxton Waikerie’s Arts and Culture Officer Simone Stratton introduced Ms Cooper’s exhibition as “transportable not only in nature, but in the sense it can connect and inspire any audience, as though it is its own artful storytelling language.”
“Kari one of our many emerging artists in the Riverland…Kari's art is born from illustrative storytelling, as I am sure you have gathered from the well-placed title of 'Folklore and Fairytales',” said Ms Stratton.
“Whilst the art is whimsical yet so strongly defined, I think what is so special about Kari's work is her ability to take her audience back to a magical time in their childhood, or perhaps even to the happiness they feel when they read their children or grandchildren a bedtime story.”
Ms Stratton also thanked the Kapunda Regional Gallery “for supporting our regional emerging artists.”
“Without a space to exhibit it makes it next to impossible for emerging artists to step into their professional arts practice,” said Ms Stratton.
Nuriootpa poet Dan Fuller addressed Ms Piszczuk’s abstract showcase as “the culmination of a career in art.”
“Anthea is a highly skilled artist and has created artwork in practically every medium,” said Mr Fuller.
“Anthea finds herself drawn to abstract, and abstract art has become very important to her recently, especially as it has become an important outlet for her during the recent move and transition from the Barossa Valley to Port Victoria, the majority of the work is from this time.
“Some people don’t quite know how to take abstract art, or find it too daunting… but actually each piece is its own beautiful world, one for you to step into and explore to find your own beauty within, or you can step back just enjoy its beauty from a far and I adore the freedom of her work.”
The Kapunda Gallery is located at 67-69 Main Street and open from 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday, and subject to volunteer availability, also Sunday from 10am-3.30pm
There are more than 80 pieces of work on display, all available for purchase as well with more information about both exhibitions accessible at www.kapundagallery.com