News Archive

Bachelor of Fine Arts alumnus, current Masters student and sessional tutor Valdene Buckley-Diprose has been invited to exhibit in a fascinating and thought provoking exhibition Worth its Weight in Gold ('an exhibition and series of dinner events designed to... explore the continued cultural connotations and mythologies surrounding sheep and rural industry in Australia').

The notion that the dining table is the pivotal space within traditional rural homes is at the heart of the Worth its Weight in Gold exhibition at Moana Project Space. In rural life, relationships are built around the dining table as creative ideas are debated, critical decisions are made and food is shared between family and friends. Curator, Anna Richardson has highlighted this idea by placing a dining table, constructed from an old wool table, in the centre of the exhibition space.

The diverse works produced by artists Geoff Overheu, Megan Christie, Paul Caporn, Valdene Buckley-Diprose, Roderick Sprigg, Anna Louise Richardson, and Abdul-Rahman Abdullah draw on their understandings of sheep, both as producers, and consumers of sheep products. Aiming to foster a dialogue between city and rural life, the artists have addressed the mythology of rural experience in Australia, examining how it has been shaped by sheep.

Conversations have been fostered within the gallery space with lamb dinners where artists, and rural and city guests have come together with camaraderie. The anecdotes and story-telling that took place mimicked gatherings around country tables. Uncannily, for a short time, participating guests became part of the work, performing within the show, scrutinised by the silent ‘eyes’ within the artworks that sit sentinel along the walls.

The official opening of the exhibition was last Friday night - the show continues until June 14.

Media references

Assistant Professor Sarah Douglas | Visual Arts |

Laura Radovan | Marketing and Communications | +61 8 6488 1859