The Space Between Us: Finding the Way Back to the Present - Tony Wilson

My Country, My Identity - Sasha Hill

10th October – 8th November

The Fleurieu Arthouse is proud to be a partner venue for Tarnanthi 2021 - The Art Gallery of South Australia’s 6th annual celebration of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. The word Tarnanthi (TAR-nan-dee) comes from the language of the Kaurna people, the traditional owners of the Adelaide Plains. Tarnanthi means “to come forth or appear like the sun and the first emergence of light”.

This internationally acclaimed festival is recognised as a unique and inspiring art experience and as a vital platform for many talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to showcase their work, to share important stories and strengthen the ties between their audience and their practice.

Here at The Fleurieu Arthouse we’re excited to welcome two extremely gifted artists into the fold and to play host to a selection of their work. The exhibition opened on the 10th of October and both Tony Wilson and Sasha Hill were present as a large crowd arrived to view the pieces which now hang in our main exhibition space until the 8th of November.

View the catalogue for this Tarnanthi at The Fleurieu Arthouse here. Telephone enquiries are welcome.

Tony Wilson - The Space Between Us: Finding the Way Back to the Present

Tony is a Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri/Narrunga/Italian Australian artist based in Adelaide; his current body of work explores the intertwining qualities of place, culture and family as they meet, impact and alter one another over time and physical space. Tony recently travelled to Italy as part of a residency and this allowed him to investigate his Italian lineage and to further his explorations of family and home through photography as well as painting.

Working mainly in acrylic, Tony creates vast, intricate canvases which invite the viewer to engage on a spiritual level as well as physical. The traditional dot painting techniques he employs generate the rhythms of nature through the use of complex geometric and organic forms which work in harmony.

Sasha Hill - My Country, My Identity

Sasha Hill is a Yamatji/Noongar woman whose work is centred around cultural identity and her relationship to Country. Sasha has travelled extensively across Australia and journeys to her ancestral home in Western Australia have allowed her to discover important stories, songlines and knowledge from the women in her community.

As a Mother, family and home is an intrinsic part of Sasha’s practice and she paints at home with her children close by. This shared creative process allows Sasha’s children to observe and learn more about their own heritage whilst hearing the stories and lineal wisdom which are an integral part of her work.

As an artist, Sasha’s practice is deeply rooted in her connection to Country, to her culture, her family and to the stories and knowledge which she protects and preserves.

VISITING THE FLEURIEU ARTHOUSE

Nestled in the grounds of the historic Hardy’s Tintara winery and conveniently situated on Main Road McLaren Vale, The Fleurieu Arthouse is an important artistic hub for the region. Not only is the Arthouse an exciting exhibition venue, but it’s also home to a vibrant community of resident artists who work and sell their art from purpose-built studios.

There’s a large, carefully curated retail space too – showcasing the work of some of the best artists and makers in the district. Here you can find handmade ceramics, fine art, prints, jewellery and more. Surrounded by magnificent native plants and trees, the gallery is a place to relax, to enjoy good coffee and locally produced pastries whilst taking in the beautiful artworks on display.

Written by Lindsay Nightingale