The Adelaide Fringe exhibition of artworks by members of RSASA has just over a hundred very accomplished and aesthetically pleasing items on display. The modest gallery space holds a remarkable amount of paintings, photographic prints, mixed medium pieces, pen and ink, pastels and clay pieces. At a glance it can seem cluttered or a little overwhelming upon entry however once you start to focus on individual works of art it is easy to focus on the items your eye is attracted to and really examine them.
The overall theme of ‘autumn’ is broadly interpreted so don’t expect dozens of images of golden brown forests, it isn’t as literal as that, though there are several wooded scenes.
In fact the title of the exhibition, Rustling conjures up not only thoughts of tones and colours that go with the season, it inspires ideas of movement including covert operations, also secret things not meant to be seen. It may be the latter years of someone’s life such as David Sinclar’s ‘Gogh Whitlam’ charcoal on paper, or something deeply shrouded from the real world as found in Larissa Rogacheva’s ‘Dream #3’ a beautiful moment vividly rendered in watercolour of a woman swimming.
Annette McRae examines a much loved vessel in her textile ‘History of a Mug’and David Kennett’s Hanger’s Prize Award Winner ‘Shrine Ravens Tokyo’ is as the title describes a fine pencil and digital Japanese scene.
Group exhibitions such as this one do not promote any particular intellectual thesis that rallies or explains the material, these works are for sale and the prices range from under $100 up to $6,500. Investors in art, private collectors or organisations looking to find something unique to hang on their boardroom wall may find a perfect something here.
That being said it is still an exhibition worth taking the time to view even if you have no interest in making a purchase from the registered charity. As part of Adelaide Fringe, RSASA welcomes art lovers into their space and there is no pressure applied to buy. You are likely to be invited to vote in the audience choice competition by the volunteer on duty.
At 165 years old RSASA is Australia’s oldest art society. If you are wondering what they do, take a look at their comprehensive website, you’ll find a treasure trove of history and images from South Australia’s past and if you’ve some time to kill in the city go visit Rustling and be inspired.
Rustling
Until Sunday 17th of March
RSASA Gallery, Adelaide
