FAMILIAR surroundings will be turned upside down when a unique immersive exhibition arrives in Mount Gambier.
Country Arts SA in partnership with the Art Gallery of South Australia and the Regional Galleries Association of South Australia is presenting Robyn Stacey: Ray of Light at 14 regional venues until September 2020.
Eight large-scale camera obscura photographs by the internationally regarded photographer will be on display at the Riddoch Art Gallery from December 1 to January 27.
Stacey’s photographs are made through the magic of a camera obscura, whereby the external world is trapped and inverted within the room.
In the artist’s words, these bewildering photographs become “a mash up of inside and outside”.
“The magic of the camera obscura is that it makes us question what we take for granted – the everyday experience is presented upside down and in reverse, mimicking the way an image forms on the retina,” Stacey said.
“In some photographs, cars drive over the ceiling and the sky and clouds cover the floor – it’s like being in a movie where you are in the world, but removed from it at the same time.”
A live camera obscura will be installed at six of the 14 locations, including Mount Gambier.
Visitors will be provided with a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the wonder of the camera obscura at unique locations, including the office above Vicki Quinn Real Estate.
“Robyn Stacey has spent a lifetime challenging and redefining photography,” Art Gallery of South Australia co-acting director Lisa Slade said.
“We are thrilled to be presenting her work, with her full involvement and partnered with Country Arts SA and Regional Galleries Association of South Australia to regional audiences.
“Like the urban centres, non-metro areas deserve the best in contemporary art.”
