River, an exhibition

River

Newstead sits astride the upper reaches of Loddon River, known locally as Bulutjal Yaluk, a river which is variously the source of wealth, sustenance and destruction.

The Newstead Arts Hub is grateful to Belinda Prest, Cameron Robbins, Kathy Landvogt, Aunty Marilyne Nicholls and Melissa Proposch for their thoughtful and varied works which make up this exhibition. Each of these artists has observed, approached, followed, walked, waded, considered, and recorded the river, and responded with the works we see in this exhibition.

During the exhibition, artists Annee Miron and Forest Keegel, as occupied Collective, are operating Loddon Lab, a live studio to connect with visitors and to experiment, play and explore. Their primary exploration is of the River as kin through River Stories and the use of Common Reed – Phragmities australis as a thatching medium.

With the generous assistance of Newstead Historical Society, we have a collection of historical maps and of the dredges and dredging which have had a profound impact on the river, on those who lived by it at the time and on those who live nearby now.

This exhibition precedes the launch of Newstead Arts Hub’s community art project, Weaving the River, to be held from 11.00am on Sunday 26th April.