Published on Thursday, 30 September 2021 at 11:55:50 AM
Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (GRAG) will throw open its’ doors this Friday night to celebrate two exciting new exhibitions that coincide with the Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival.
“The Past Stops Now” is a collection of paintings and drawings by esteemed artist Peteris (Peter) Ciemitis – one of the few Western Australians to be shortlisted in the prestigious Archibald Prize. The exhibition surveys Ciemitis’ work from 2008 to the present day, particularly focusing on portraiture as a psychological landscape.
Opening on the same night, “BLUE” is a part of the inaugural Indian Ocean Craft Triennial (IOTA21) and provides an exhibition opportunity to local Indigenous, multicultural and crafting groups. This dynamic craft exhibition is in collaboration with the Museum of Geraldton, Yamaji Art, Geraldton Knitwits and the Midwest Multicultural Association.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn looks forward to opening night.
“What a time to be in Geraldton! Our vibrant city continues to host first-class events that enrich our community and foster fresh ideas,” he said.
“These two new exhibitions which are combined with the Geraldton Regional Library’s Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival do just that, plus a whole lot more.
“It’s a delight to showcase Peter’s artworks alongside creations from local artists and continue to provide our region with thought-provoking exhibitions.”
Known for his portraiture, Peter has been shortlisted in the Archibald Prize twice and was the winner of the Black Swan Prize for Portraiture in 2010 (now known as the Lester Prize).
Peter Ciemitis’ artwork is collected by the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, National Museum of Art in Latvia and several major Chinese state and private galleries.
Both exhibitions will launch at GRAG on Friday 1 October at 6pm. This event is free but RSVP is essential and can be made by clicking here.
On Saturday 2 October at 12.30pm an Artist Floor Talk with Peter Ciemitis will take place at GRAG. To register your attendance click here.
“The Past Stops Now” and “BLUE” form part of this year’s Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival, which runs from Thursday 30 September to Sunday 3 October. You can view the complete program by clicking here.
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