The Dead Puppet Society performing ‘The Wider Earth’ in 2018. Photographed by Guy Bell.
THE Condensery, Somerset Regional Art Gallery will open its doors to three new exhibitions starting Saturday, 28 February, allowing residents and visitors to experience a diverse range of contemporary Australian artworks.
The new exhibitions feature work from Anna Gonzalez, Dead Puppet Society and Ashton Bernhardt, showcasing puppetry, animation, theatre design and vibrant visual artworks.
‘Tiny worlds, tall tales’ created by Anna Gonzalez unfolds as an exploration of the hidden interior, a realm where your inner child continues to dream, build, and remember. Using miniature theatrical scenes, the intricate sets are photographed then dismantled, with the photograph serving as the final artwork.
Dead Puppet Society’s ‘The Wider Earth’, written by David Morton, presents a theatrical reimagining of Charles Darwin’s early scientific investigations and voyage. The exhibition offers visitors insight into the company’s creative process, displaying large scale puppets that featured in the internationally acclaimed ‘The Wider Earth’ theatre production. The exhibition showcases the artistry and fabrication techniques that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology. Visitors can also enjoy watching a full projected recording of The Wider Earth theatre production in the gallery space.
Finally, Ashton Bernhardt will display ‘The show goes on’, an experimental stop‑motion animation following The Creature, a bronze performer navigating physical limitations and unexpected setbacks. Drawing on the artists lived experience, the work explores performance as communication, highlighting resilience, adaptation and the struggle to express oneself before time runs out.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Sally Jess said the new exhibitions promise a variety of engaging displays that will spark interest for everyone.
“The Condensery hosting three incredible artists under one roof allows Somerset residents and visitors to immerse themselves in a variety of artworks displaying thought-provoking themes,” Cr Jess said.
To find out more about the artists and their work, join Anna Gonzalez and Ashton Bernhardt in person on Saturday, 28 February for the official opening event at The Condensery, Somerset Regional Art Gallery, Toogoolawah, where they will discuss the use of puppetry, digital media and humour to navigate complex themes within their practices.
For more information on the upcoming exhibit, visit The Condensery website at thecondensery.com.au