July 9, 2015
The long-awaited Dual Arts Exhibition opened in Murgon on Saturday morning.
The exhibition was designed to settle a 150-year old dispute about whether photography can really be considered art by mounting artworks of iconic South Burnett scenes against photographs of the same things.
The project – by Murgon artists Lee Porter and Sherrianne Talon, and co-ordinated by Sandy Hoffmann – began in January this year when the trio received a $25,000 RADF grant from the South Burnett Regional Council to explore their idea.
The group invited members of the public to nominate South Burnett scenes for the project.
Artist Lee Porter then prepared artworks for selected scenes, while photographer Sherianne Talon photographed them.
The subjects of the works cover everything from Tarong Power Station to a view over the vineyards at Dusty Hill, and Maidenwell’s Coomba Falls through to Kingaroy’s Peanut Silos.
About a dozen of the works are expected to be added to the South Burnett Regional Council’s permanent art collection and may be used to promote the region in future.
On Saturday, the exhibition was officially opened at a “pop up” gallery at 90 Lamb Street in Murgon by Cr Kathy Duff and Mayor Wayne Kratzmann.
Outside, visitors could enjoy some relaxing jazz from saxophonist Tom McKenzie, a children’s jumping castle, coffee and hot chocolate from Mondee Coffee 2 Go or sausages served up by Murgon Rotary Club members.
A glossy coffee table book which displays all the works in the exhibition was also launched on the day for $24.98 a copy. Colouring-in books are also available.
The exhibition will remain on display at the Lamb Street gallery from 10:00am to 4:00pm daily until the end of the month. Admission to view it is free.
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 opening day |
