Two Inches Off the Ground

Western Advocate article: 19 May 2011

RESHAPING EVERYDAY OBJECTS: Artist Karen Golland with one of the works from her new exhibition, entitled Two inches off the Ground. Photo: PHILL MURRAY 050411pkaren

BATHURST Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) is proving itself a regional hub of art, with the opening of three new exhibitions recently.

‘Two Inches off the Ground’ celebrates the talent of local artist Karen Golland; ‘Michael Esson: Mixed Metaphors’ is a survey of original drawings on loan from Manly Art Gallery and Museum; while ‘Field Work’ utilises more than 50 works from the gallery’s permanent collection in its investigation into abstract art.

In ‘Two Inches off the Ground’, Bathurst-based artist and printmaker Karen Golland inverts the commonness of everyday objects to create works of whimsy, joy and great beauty. She uses a range of household materials – including linoleum, knitting needles, bed sheets and doilies – to take you on a journey, through both the familiar and the strange.

“Everything has come from a few years of collecting things from around the home,” she said. “I’ve taken objects from the domestic sphere and transformed them into something new.”

Ms Golland has participated in a range of exhibitions, both in Sydney and the Central West, however ‘Two Inches off the Ground’ is her first solo exhibition in a regional gallery.

BRAG has also attracted a new travelling exhibition to the region.

‘Mixed Metaphors’ features 30 large-scale drawings from one of Australia’s most dedicated artists, Michael Esson.

Gallery director Richard Perram said people have been “wowed” by the drawings.

The three exhibitions will be on display at the gallery until June 19.