Antonia Leigh & Miiko Kumar
Twenty 4 features painting and mixed media artworks by Antonia Leigh and Miiko Kumar. The exhibition explores time as a universal construct; the notion of past, present and future-of the 24 hour cycle that frames our lives. Twenty 4 also references the personal perspectives by both artists as each hour of the day represents the possibility of unique thought, hope, new emotions and memories in this ongoing continuum.
Antonia Leigh 24 Hours, 24 Buds - Hope and Renewal
Each bud in this series represents a promise – of life, of resilience, of a future yet to unfold.
Colour is the heartbeat of my paintings. Each different colour palette carries energy and meaning.
The 24 small acrylic paintings of abstract buds explore the relationship between colour, hope and the shifting landscape of our thoughts and emotions as we live out our days. Just as buds hold the quiet promise of blooming, our emotions cycle through phases of anticipation, intensity, hope and renewal.
Colour becomes a reflection of these inner shifts and moods.
I wanted to explore the quiet yet profound cycle of renewal that underlies all our days. The works invite viewers to reflect on their own moments of change, growth and the ever-present hope that each new hour brings.
The works are a reminder that growth is a process and that even in darkness we hold the promise to bloom.
Miiko Kumar
My work is about memory of place. The collected memories are fragmented and reinterpret time. The 24 works in this exhibition are about landscapes travelled. They show the colours and everyday fabrics that pattern our days, fabrics that bind are lives. Lace that lets sunlight in and can dance with light. Sweet fabrics designed for a child. Constant and trusted gingham.
The rhythm in life is shown by my repetition of shape. A stitch or line moving. Life’s experience and struggle is symbolised in my art by mountains, roads and curves. The horizon can sometimes be seen in the distance. A gestural mark of simplicity. My work shows colour and light. I use layering of materials and marks to reflect the transitory state of beauty. Weaving materials into my art. Life is changing. Nothing remains the same.
The 24 works are remembered spaces that may be recognisable to you. The cycle of life brings comfort. Familiar patterns reassure that difficult times will pass. Beauty is in the ordinary and feeling at home. The layers of experience are condensed into a fleeting snapshot in time. The works are 24 fragments of memory. Joy and renewal.
Andrew McPhail
This exhibition explores the beauty and wonder of familiar places, hidden gems and well-known vistas that mark the journey from the Illawarra and south coast to the Southern Highlands and beyond. Visitors and collectors will be drawn in to appreciate that moment in time when the light reflected off the water, the forest glistened with mist and the road beckoned on to adventure.
This new body of work in acrylic and oil will offer representational paintings that capture the beauty and variety of the coast and country, such iconic features of our region.
An established artist in the Kiama region, Andrew seeks to offer high quality landscapes and seascapes that give collectors and visitors to The SHAC an opportunity to enjoy and purchase that special painting.
This exhibition features contre-joure that draws the viewer into that magical moment when light brings a place to life. Different medium applications create a sense of peace and calm, like walking on a beach or looking out over the bush. There’s a journey, a path, a view that brings an emotional connection, especially to the unique places in our region.
Sarah Emily Rowe
I’ve lived half a life, built a family, weathered a divorce, waded through the swampy landscape of a corporate job or two, and somehow, I’ve arrived at happiness. There was a time when happiness felt out of reach, tied too closely to my expectations of others. But over time, I’ve come to understand that true happiness is something we cultivate from within.
The act of painting and creating collages brings me a deep sense of contentment. Each piece I make is a reflection of that process—a tangible expression of balance, clarity, and peace. Art is not just a passion; it is a personal therapy, a means of grounding myself in the present.
This collection is bold in color and abstractly floral, shaped by my strong connection to textiles. I have always been drawn to patterns and their interplay, and this body of work is my translation of that enduring fascination.
Linda Balding & Carolyn Collins
This Exhibition brings together two artists with a passion for the natural environment, whose practices incorporate printmaking but whose work evolves in different directions through distinctive, layered approaches.
Mary Adams
Exhibition Opening Saturday 1 March @ 4 - 6pm
In celebration of my recent Australian citizenship, this collection explores the unique spirit of Australia through the lens of surrealistic Australian animals. With a playful and humorous twist, these works aim to capture my perception of the Australian culture I have come to cherish – specifically the lighthearted nature, the way Australians ‘take the piss’ of things, and the fact that they don’t take themselves too seriously. As a charcoal artist, I am drawn to pushing its expressive potential beyond traditional applications. Often relegated to a supporting role on canvas or linen, I sought to elevate charcoal to the forefront and not just be the preliminary sketch of an underpainting. By choosing linen and leaving much of it exposed, I aimed to create a more natural aesthetic that fosters a sense of authenticity. The interplay between the raw texture of the linen and the dynamic contrast of the charcoal has resulted in a captivating visual tension and unexpected synergy. This collection is a testament to the ability of art to capture the essence of a place and to celebrate the unexpected beauty that arises from embracing the unconventional. Through this collection, I hope to invite viewers to share in my appreciation for the quirky humor of Australian culture and invoke a smile or laugh.