Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the start of World War Two, Blue Mountains artist Vivienne Dadour has curated the exhibition Resilience in Times of Adversity: Contemporary Responses to WW2 in the Blue Mountains 1939-1950.
The exhibition explores aspects of the personal, historical and political landscape of the Blue Mountains during, and post, World War Two. Through the use of archival and historical material the exhibiting artists reflect on the many-sided nature of the tragedy of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
The exhibition features works by local artists Anne Graham, Chris Tobin, Fiona Davies, Sean O'Keeffe and Vivienne Dadour.
Anne Graham pays homage to the many women and men who worked at the Lithgow Small Arms Factory; Chris Tobin (Darug) acknowledges the struggles of Aboriginal soldiers who were an occupied people, yet asked to be part of an imperialistic war; Fiona Davies responds to the resilience of returning soldiers suffering from infectious diseases and who experienced medical isolation in various facilities in the Blue Mountains during WW2; Sean O'Keeffe explores the fortitude of the many soldiers and military personnel who lived at 'Hoaxville' in facilities that housed chemical weapons in tunnels and sidings at Marrangaroo Army base in Lithgow; and Vivienne Dadour presents snapshots of life in the Blue Mountains through a collection of photographic archives.
The exhibition is on until September 29. The official opening by Blue Mountains MP, Trish Doyle, will be held on Friday, August 30, 6-8pm. Free event, cash bar. RSVP to info@bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au or 4780 5410 by Monday, August 26.
There is an artist talk and tea on Saturday, August 31 at 1.30pm. Free with gallery admission. Join curator and artist Vivienne Dadour alongside artists Anne Graham, Chris Tobin, Fiona Davies and Sean O'Keeffe, for an intriguing insight into the exhibition Resilience in Times of Adversity: Contemporary Responses to WW2 in the Blue Mountains 1939-1950. After the talk, stay and meet the artists over afternoon tea provided by the Cultural Centre Café. RSVP appreciated on 4780 5410.
On Saturday, September 14, 10am-12.30pm is Snapshots with Vivienne Dadour, for ages 12-16. $60 / $55 InSight members. Bookings essential at reception or on 4780 5410.
On the same day, from 1-3.30pm, also for 12-16-year-olds, is Time Capsule: Making a self portrait with artist Anne Graham. $60 / $55 InSight members. Bookings essential at reception or on 4780 5410.
Book both workshops for the reduced price of $100. Creative kids vouchers accepted.
