After 10 weeks in lock down, Salt Contemporary is preparing to throw open its doors to a show of new paintings by Craig Parnaby, depicting the simple pleasures of life by the beach.
“Craig’s paintings capture moments in time that are oh so familiar - a carefree bike ride, catching a wave with a friend, an afternoon spent lazing on a beach,” said Salt Director Fiona Kelly.
“These are the moments that up until recently we have perhaps taken for granted and yet it is precisely these moments that many of us have found ourselves looking forward to and yearning for.
“Through their work artists can challenge us to pause and reflect, to see the world a little differently. Through his art Craig Parnaby creates a world that is calm, gentle and uncomplicated and there’s never been a better time to strive for such a world,” Kelly said.
Similarly, important themes for this time will be celebrated at Queenscliff Gallery and Workshop, in an exhibition of works - sculptures, drawings, prints and lithography - by good friends of many decades, Robert Hague, Peter Lancaster, Jim Pavlidis and Geoffrey Riccardo celebrating mateship.
“The four men’s friendship and artistic expression are forged in continuity,” said the QG&W’s Soula Mantalvanos. “Their homes, studio environments and materials are testimony to timelessness and resilience - a bulwark against the advances of technology… and proof that living and working without succumbing to unnecessary change is still possible.
Meantime, a new-look Seaview will turn to some of its favourite artists to brighten the spirits of locals and visitors alike.
“We have refurbished with new carpet and some paintwork and are looking forward to being open again,” said owner Colleen Kenwood.