WAGGA Wagga Art Gallery is thrilled to present Then and Now: Representations in Glass, an exhibition highlighting the artistry and expertise of artist, Denis O’Connor. This unique exhibition showcases O’Connor’s early hand blown glasswork from the 1970s and 1980s through to recent explorations in his current practice.
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Since training at the National Art School, O’Connor has become a well-known figure in our art community through his engagement as a mentor, teacher and lecturer.
O’Connor’s extensive art practice spans over several decades, exhibiting locally, nationally and internationally. During this time, he fostered a compelling relationship with our internationally recognised National Art Glass Collection.
The collections early history is beautifully documented in his book, An Unlikely Address: A Regional Gallery and the Genesis of a Collection; Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.
The early works in the exhibition are a significant representation of Australian Studio Glass, with pieces drawn from our National Art Glass Collection.
These hand-blown glass works are characteristic of a pioneering period for furnace glass blowing during the 1970’s and 1980’s, at a time when artists’ emphasised an aesthetical outcome.
These works were created with a sound knowledge of technical and manual skill and for O’Connor the free-blown vessel provided a platform for experimentation and established his confidence and accomplishment in the medium.
- We warmly invite you to the National Art Glass Gallery on Friday, December 14 at 6pm where Grace Cochrane, former Senior Curator of the Powerhouse Museum will officially launch O’Connor’s exhibition Then and Now: Representations in Glass and An Unlikely Address: A Regional Gallery and the Genesis of a Collection; Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.
- The exhibition will be on display until Sunday, March 10, with his book available to purchase at the Art Gallery Shop.
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THE gallery is delighted to present Recent Acquisitions: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery Collection, a showcase of purchased and donated works over the past three years. The exhibition brings together a diverse range of media, including glass, print, photography, painting and sculpture and demonstrates the breadth and complexity of the Wagga collection.
In addition to pieces by nationally renowned artists, the exhibition also celebrates works by Riverina based artists who have exhibited in the Links Gallery or E3 art space.
These works include a large-scale Lumen print photograph by Dr James Farley, a provoking gestural painting from Gregory Carosi and delicate linocuts by printmaker Christina Reid.
These works have been acquired through our community gallery program and highlight each artists’ unique connection to our region.
