At the front of the Oran Park Leisure Centre is Greg Johns' art installation, Vortex Mandala, which was inaugurated on 21 October 2024. This public artwork reflects swirling patterns symbolizing energy flow and consciousness. Johns, influenced by the Adelaide Hills, aims to create significant public sculptures that engage viewers and enhance the local environment.
Category: Art
Exploring the ‘Infinity Tracks’ Art Installation in Oran Park
The 'Infinity Tracks' art installation in Oran Park honors the region's heavy haulage industry, highlighting the historical impact of the transport industry and Oran Park Town urban development. Commissioned in 2020 by Greenfields Development Co and TRN House, it enhances the forecourt's aesthetic while reflecting the area's economic growth and employment contributions from the haulage sector and urban development.
Baker’s Contemporaries: A New Art Exhibition in Camden
The Alan Baker Art Gallery opened its exhibition ‘Baker’s Contemporaries Royal Art Society of NSW’ on December 6, showcasing significant artworks from the 20th century by notable Australian artists. The event featured speeches, local entertainment, and highlighted the historical Macaria building, representing its evolution from a residence to an art gallery. Entry is free until May 2025.
Exploring ‘Just the Two of Us’ at Tegel Gallery 581
The Tegel Gallery 581 in Cobbitty, NSW, launched the exhibition 'Just the Two of Us' featuring 100 paintings by local artists Nola Tegel and Patricia Johnston. This collection reflects their artistic journeys and love for the Camden countryside and their travels. The exhibition runs until 27 October 2024, excluding certain dates.
Unveiling Hardy Wilson’s architectural legacy and his influence on Camden’s aesthetics
William Hardy Wilson, a largely unrecognized architect and artist, authored The Cow Pasture Road in 1920, impacting Camden's cultural narrative. His work celebrates colonial architecture and aesthetics, leading to a recent exhibition at the University of Sydney Library, which explores his dual legacy as both a visionary artist and controversial figure in Australian history.
Why does the sale of a local church create community angst? What is going on?
The sale of church land has sparked community angst, particularly at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Bankstown. The proposed heritage listing has led to concerns about redevelopment and closure. Similar issues have arisen in Tasmania, where the sale of local churches has evoked strong emotional and historical attachments. The opposing views between churchgoers and non-churchgoers present an unresolved ethical dilemma.
Exploring Historical Themes: Pictorial History Camden & District Presentation Summary
This presentation examined the role of the historian and researcher and presented the importance of history and the role of a historian. Dr Ian Willis discussed the significance of historical consciousness and collective memory, emphasising the role of a historian as a researcher, analyst, interpreter, and storyteller. The presentation also highlighted "Pictorial History Camden & District," a book by Kingsclear Books, and covered aspects such as structure, select bibliography, index of names, and district maps. Additionally, various related sources and themes, such as the Whiteman and Macarthur families, were explored. The presentation concluded with suggestions for experiencing the past through community festivals, local studies, and living libraries.
Camden Live & Local 2018: Eclectic Music Festival Across Camden’s Venues
The 2018 Live and Local Camden music festival showcased over 50 musicians across 15 eclectic venues. The festival's growth included jazz ensembles, young talents, and accomplished musicians, creating a diverse and immersive experience for attendees. This cultural event contributed to the development of an arts precinct and celebrated the significance of live music in community storytelling and place-making.
LiddellWORKS, art in action
The closure of Liddell Power Station in 2023 sparked artistic creations in the Hunter Valley. Sixteen artists generated artworks exploring the station's legacy. The power station, operational since the early 1970s, contributed significantly to the region's industrial landscape. The artworks aim to help local communities cope with the loss of jobs and the power station's impact on Australia's energy supply.
Camden Art Prize, a new exhibition at the Alan Baker Art Gallery celebrates a local institution
The Camden Art Prize was initiated in 1975 as an acquisitive art prize aiming to create a collection. This collection now includes over 200 artworks and has been on display at the Alan Baker Art Gallery. The prize has had many notable judges and dignitaries present at its exhibitions. Some of the winning works are on display in a new exhibition at the gallery.
