In a South Australian first, a SALA exhibition has been officially opened in the electorate office of a local Member of Parliament.
The political portraits exhibition was officially opened by artist and political cartoonist, George Aldridge in the Gawler office of the Member for Light, Tony Piccolo.
Mr Piccolo said the idea of registering the Light electorate Office as a SALA venue arose from a desire to make a contribution, however modest, to bring Gawler’s political history to light and support the arts in the community.
The exhibition involves portraits of people who have been involved, in some way, in the political processes of the Light electorate.
The subject matters have either been chosen by the artists or suggested from a list names obtained from the various archives.
Mr Piccolo said that while not all identities have made it to this exhibition, he hoped that future ventures will address some of the very colourful characters that have walked the streets of the electorate over time.
Mr Piccolo thanked a number of people and community organisations that made the exhibition possible. Mr Piccolo was pleased that local artist and cartoonist George Aldridge agreed to officially open the exhibition, as his cartoons have provided great insight into the local political scene for many decades. Mr Aldridge said
“Tony brings politics to the people, as people do the same with him.”
“It is this connection that makes communities richer and more vibrant,” Mr Aldridge said.
“What makes good artists should be the same as what makes good pollies. They should connect to their communities, environment and embrace people with the view to stimulate thinking and encourage change.”
“Great artists and politicians, if at their best, provide accurate insights, observations, critique and an analysis of where the world is at.”
“Tony certainly does that,” Mr Aldridge added.
The exhibition at the Light electorate Office is open to the public until Friday 12th August, between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday.