Insightful environment awaits at Riverina print artists' showcase of nature's beauty

Ten Riverina printmakers’ exploration of the natural environment and climate is now on display.

Curated by Dr Thomas Middlemost from Charles Sturt University, Print on Display (PoD) is currently on show at The Station Gallery in Wagga Wagga.

Print on Display explores the themes of the natural environment and climate crisis while also paying homage to the history of printmaking and the essential feminine nurturing spirit needed to address the challenges facing both the planet and society.

These themes are highlighted by the works encountered immediately upon entering the exhibition space. The white-tiled and white-walled interior evokes the venue’s former function as an ambulance garage, providing an excellent backdrop for the art on display.

Visitors are greeted by Christina Reid’s solar print on BFK Rives paper, Wagga in Flood, and Cathy Blake’s Violet, a solar plate on Awagami Kitakata paper. Both pieces convey phenomena well known to Riverina locals while paying a strong yet delicate tribute to the artists’ grandmothers.

On the back wall of the gallery, viewers can see three of Christina’s four-colour screenprints titled Perpetuum I – III, depicting the same ancient North Wagga tree silhouette shrouded in mist. Two of the prints are rosy and almost flame-hued, while the third is moodier and darker, featuring a crow in flight. There is a melancholy beauty to this isolated dead tree and its hazy backdrop.

Renowned First Nations artist Juanita McLauchlin showcases a series of three black-ink linocuts, enriched with white additions, gold leaf, and red thread. The richly textured forms in these images evoke the appearance of lichen or tree bark.

To the right of the exhibition, visitors will find Melanie Baulch’s colourful monotype typographical images, Untitled 5 & 6. The works of Melanie, a keen bushwalker and birdwatcher, are among the most effusive in this collection.

Positioned at the bottom centre of the display is Angela Coombs-Matthews’ photopolymer etching, Inspirited. This piece is one of three contemplative and sombre works contributed by the artist. To the left hangs Angela’s monotype Mind Place, which had already sold before the exhibition’s opening.

Also on display are Cathy Blake’s delicate doily-motif piece celebrating her grandmother and Craig Couzens’ powerful linocut The Lonely Plain, which depicts a tree struggling to survive in a barren landscape.

Craig has three more works in the show and expressed particular satisfaction with his linocut Pond Life, a larger-than-life depiction of a dragonfly that persistently flew toward him and his partner during a walk.

“Eventually, I just sat and observed it, and this is the result,” Craig said.

Another piece sold before the opening is Liz Perfect’s etching Wrecked Trough, Brown, Black and Yellow, which, as the title suggests, depicts a destroyed feed trough with three ghostly sheep looking on.

Liz said she was relatively new to the Riverina and was still exploring the region’s landscapes and was touched by the fragile existence of the livestock.

Dr Middlemost has three works in the show, with his monotype/linocut collage of local tree forms being particularly engaging.

Print on Display also aims to highlight the quality of the works and the vital role of the Print Council of Australia in supporting and promoting Australian printmakers. Since 1966, the Print Council has published the quarterly journal Imprint, conducted an annual Print Commission program, and held regular exhibitions.

The exhibition received support from Eastern Riverina Arts and Charles Sturt University. Riverina TAFE is set to offer short courses in printmaking starting in 2025.

Print on Display will be at The Station Gallery until Sunday, 27 October.

The Station Gallery is open on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm and on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. For more information, contact Eastern Riverina Arts on (02) 6921 6890.