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DUO MAGAZINE IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY AND SHANE FITZGERALD, MANAGER GALLERY SERVICES, TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL, IN A SERIES THAT DISCUSSES CURRENT TRENDS, MUSINGS AND INSIGHTS INTO CONTEMPORARY VISUAL ARTS.
ARTICULATE TROY EMERY: INTO THE WILD | 2014 GLENCORE CHILDREN’S EXHIBITION
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BRINGING ART TO LIFE FOR TOWNSVILLE’S CHILDREN PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY opened its doors in August to the major exhibition, Troy Emery: into the wild. The show is the 2014 Glencore Children’s Exhibition, an initiative which introduces children and school students from the region to first-class, conceptually rich and visually engaging artworks in order to stimulate greater participation with the arts and improve the level of visual arts education. Dedicated Children’s Exhibitions have been developed by and displayed at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery on an annual basis for a number of years. At the time of the first Children’s Exhibition, the initiative was pioneering, with few examples of such agespecific exhibitions having been curated by galleries in Australia. Since the inaugural Children’s Exhibition, the concept has grown, evolved, and innovated, with each subsequent show increasing the level of interactivity and engagement, and placing increased emphasis on the educative materials developed. This development has been in no small part due to the ongoing support of major sponsor Glencore, and also the calibre and appealing nature of artists selected for display. The development of the annual exhibition has also been aided by benchmarking against programs being delivered by major Australian institutions over the years. There has been widespread recognition of the value of dedicated children’s art programs, which has resulted in peak organisations such as Queensland Art Gallery/ Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and the
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) building art centres devoted to children’s engagement and learning, and featuring a program of curated exhibitions and interactive stations. Perc Tucker Regional Gallery’s 2014 Glencore Children’s Exhibition promises to again deliver quality experiences for the region’s young art enthusiasts, along with those who may be setting foot in the Gallery for the first time. The exhibition centres on the vibrant and engaging sculptures of Melbourne-based artist Troy Emery, an object-based sculptor who utilises a variety of soft sculpture materials and techniques akin to taxidermy. Emery’s charming works depict animals as we’ve never seen them before, as he presents his creatures using an impossible combination of form, colour and materials to explore the complex relationship between animals and humans. His work is particularly centred on the history of our relationship with animals, and how it is underpinned by our ability to give meaning to them and use them in allegory and metaphors. Through not only Emery’s amazing sculptures, but a host of educational resources, developed didactic panels, and interactive elements within the exhibition, Troy Emery: into the wild encourages particularly younger audiences to learn about the artist’s practice and a raft of connected concepts. Soft sculpture techniques and broader art concepts, particularly colour theory which is so clearly pivotal in Emery’s work, are extensively explored, while animals
and the notion of their various ‘prescribed meanings’ also provides a platform for learning. These prescribed meanings allow children to consider the place of animals in early mythology, their history of use in fashion and design, animals’ role as human companions, and modern movements accepting animals as equals. While Troy Emery: into the wild is the 2014 Glencore Children’s Exhibition, his stunning sculptures will appeal to audiences of all ages and commands admiration from a broad audience. In this, the exhibition provides a perfect family outing. Troy Emery: into the wild will be on display at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery from 29 August – 19 October 2014.
01 Centre of the Universe, 2013 Troy Emery, polyester pompoms, polyurethane mannequin, glass eyes, plastic earliners and hot glue, 36 x 54 x 33 cm. Courtesy the artist and Martin Browne Contemporary. Photo: John Brash. 02 Bougainvillea, 2013 Troy Emery, acrylic yarn, polyurethane mannequin, pins, plastic earliners and hot glue, 54 x 32 x 40 cm. Courtesy the artist and Martin Browne Contemporary. Photo: John Brash. 03 Troy Emery in the studio. Photo: Sean Fennessy
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