There’s a Renaissance Sweeping Over Hanging Rock Winery

Jocelyn Pride

When curator, Malcolm Thompson selected the 25 sculptors for the upcoming Art in the Vines exhibition at Hanging Rock Winery, he asked them to express their feelings based on the impact of the pandemic. “COVID-19 has been tough on everyone. The exhibition will help viewers understand what it’s been like for artists,” explains Malcolm. It’s this premise that brought about the theme for the third Art in the Vines - The Renaissance exhibition. “It’s a way for people to look - and move - forward,” says Malcolm. Opening on 21 November and running through to 21 March 2021 – the timing is perfect. With no entry fee, space to roam, lawns to picnic on, wine to taste and an art exhibition in a movie-like setting – what could be a better day out? Now in its third year, the exhibition attracts interest from sculptors all over Australia, as well as further afield. As curator of all three, Malcolm expresses how difficult his job has become in selecting the 25 sculptors. “We have so much talent right here in the Macedon Ranges.” Half the pieces in the exhibition are from local artists, many who have their work displayed in important spaces in Australia and internationally. Prominent Australian sculptor, Jimmy Rix is one artist who’s had his work in each Art in the Vines exhibition. He moved to Malmsbury three years ago and has never looked back. “Everything seems to have fitted into place, and I couldn’t live anywhere else now.” He draws inspiration from the natural environment as well as childhood memories. “Here I even have birds come into my shed to watch me work. It’s really connected me to this area.”

Jimmy’s piece ‘St George and the Dragon’, is large scale. “It weighs a ton, literally”, he says with a laugh. This ancient tale of good versus evil has featured in many of Jimmy’s works. “People can relate to the powerful imagery of the story.” He’s thrilled to be exhibiting the piece close to home, but it still took a truck, a crane and four people to

place it in its home for the next three months.

Other highlights of Art in the Vines include; Anton Hasell’s (creator of Federation Bells in Birrarung Marr), ‘Wine Glass Bell’, an enticing piece to nestle amongst the vines; Craig Macdonald’s eye-catching silver rocket titled ‘Relic’ that’s sure to be an attention grabber for children and Kerrie Cannon’s ‘Sancho Panza’ an intricate bronze piece depicting the well-loved fictional character in Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote.

St George and the Dragon by Sculptor Jimmy Rix