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Past Exhibitions - Dragon's Lair Gallery

The Dragon's Lair Gallery is a community art space that can be hired by local artists and groups to showcase their work. 

Scroll down to view our past exhibitions dating back to 2018. 

2021 Past Exhibitions

  • Burnt Earth

    28 November 2020 – 7 February 2021

    Burnt earth is a personal exploration of the devastating effects that the 2019/2020 bushfires had on the Australian landscape. Now 12 months on, this exhibition offers an eerie yet beautiful commentary on the lasting impact of the fires, as well documenting a glimpse of the recovery and regeneration that has begun to occur.

    Have a look at the blog post to discover more about the artist. 

    Painting by Michael Ambriano titled Eerie Quiet.

    Image: Eerie Quiet I by Michael Ambriano.

  • Life carved in stone

    13 February – 7 March 2021

    Life carved in stone is a collection of sculptural works by artist Sam Eller. The skill of carving stone is one that takes time and dedication. Sam has developed his skills in this medium by focusing on the human figure, and by exploring and capturing the intangible elements of life such as relationships and emotions in his works. This exhibition will highlight Sam's evolution as a sculptor and artist over his 25 year relationship with carving stone. 

    Have a look at the blog post to discover more about the artist. 

    White and black picture of a white marble sculpture of a hand holding a rose

    Image: Elena’s hand, Italian Carrara Statuario marble on wooden base. Image courtesy of Alan and Michelle Hinde

  • The beauty in the mundane

    13 March – 11 April 2021

    Tetsuya Mori’s works explore the beauty in our everyday life. His watercolours do not depict any spectacular landmarks or dramatic natural scenes. Instead, his works convey a quiet and gentle serenity, evoked through glowing yet soft colour. ‘If you observe more carefully or change your perspective to anything nearby you, you would be surprised how you can find the beauty in the mundane’. – Tetsuya Mori

    Have a look at the blog post to discover more about the artist.

    Hydrangeas by Tetsuya Mori, combination of a bouquet of flours on a side table with a blue notebook and a red sofa on the background

    Image: Hydrangeas by Tetsuya Mori

  • Reflection

    17 April – 9 May 2021

    Reflection showcases a collection of works that explore the depth and complexity of light and shadows found along the Georges River. Fangmin Wu has found inspiration within the landscape and has painted ‘plein air’ (outdoors) to capture a harmonious balance between the cold and the warm colour palette, the abstract and the realistic, the tangible and the intangible.

    Have a look at the blog post to discover more about the artist. 

    Reflection No1, oil on canvas, Fangmin Wu. blue and purple trees on a lake

    Image: Reflection No.1, oil on canvas, Fangmin Wu.

  • Water Memory, Tale of a Rippling Mirror

    15 May – 6 June 2021
     
    Sofie Dieu presents Water Memory, Tale of a Rippling Mirror, her new body of work. During her residency at Carss Park in 2020, Dieu was inspired by the waterways and the ecosystem of the Georges River to interpret the work of Japanese scientist, Dr Masaru Emoto.  Sitting at an intersection of science and poetry, Emoto dedicated the last twenty years of his life to prove that the molecular structure in water transforms when it is exposed to human words, thoughts, sounds and intentions. His work has profoundly influenced Dieu's practice. Since 2019, Dieu has repeatedly investigated her deep connection to water through ink painting, drawing and photography.

    Have a look at the blog post to discover more about the artist. 

    Sofie Dieu - Beyond reflection, drawing-photo on paper, 2021.  red a white
     
    Image: Beyond reflection, drawing-photo on paper, 2021.

  • While you were sleeping

    12 June – 4 July 2021
     
    This body of work by artist, Rebecca Trajkovski, spans the past four years. It was mostly created by Rebecca at home on her kitchen bench during a period of maternity leave while her son slept. Following on from maternity leave, she continued her practice while working part-time, again finding
    time in between her son’s daytime naps to create these pieces.

    Have a look at the blog post to discover more about the artist. 

    Rebecca Trajkovski- Kristian and I, 60 x 60 cm, acrylic, mom and kid with colorful lines
     
    Image: Kristian and I, 60 x 60 cm, acrylic, 2019.

2020 Past Exhibitions

  • Tranquil places to hang idyllwild

    8 February - 1 March 2020
     
    Tranquil places to hang idyllwild presents a series of mixed media paintings and sketches depicting a connection to land and spirit. This exhibition explores the use of instinctual mark-making in a process of abstraction that draws heavily on nature, but also on the impact of humans and the way we use public spaces.

    Have a look at the blog post to discover more about the artist.

    abstract green and white natural background
     
    Image: Idlewild reverb & loop, watercolour on paper, Robyn McMullan.

  • The boneyard gallery

    7 - 29 March 2020
     
    ‘Keep it weird’
     
    Ryan Bornen’s art intends to overwhelm with colour, detail and quirkiness. Discover more and more things in the artworks the longer you look. Ryan’s work is dictated and designed with what ‘felt right’ at the time, producing something unknown until it’s done.

    Have a look at the blog post to discover more about the artist.

    red collage with monster motives
     
    Image: Art by Ryan Bornen.

  • Who stood here

    9 June - 5 July 2020
     
    Soupsue’s work reacts to the remnants of Australian history and people that are imprinted on the local landscape. The audience is asked to reflect on the multitude of layered lives that are interwoven in the emotional and physical landscape of Australia; wanting us to investigate what we remember, what we deny, what we have forgotten and what we leave behind.
    three monkey sculptures with the first monkey having his eyes shut, the second one his ears and the third one his mouth
    Image: I know what you did last summer 1838, digital collage, Soupsue.

  • The Wild: Webbs Dam

    11 July - 2 August 2020

    Marvel at this outstanding collection of photographs taken by local resident and professional photographer, Rob Annesley. Rob has spent three years documenting the delicate ecosystem of Webbs Dam in the Georges River area, and has curated an exhibition of images that give a detailed glimpse into its beautiful landscape. Rob has also created a book to accompany the exhibition. 

    brown duck photograph with colorful blue feathers on its wings

    Image: Pacific Black Duck, courtesy of Rob Annesley.

  • Interactions

    8 - 30 August 2020
     
    “When I paint, I exist in this moment where energies meet and balance, where chaos and order interact; where form meets space.” This exhibition features the works of artist, Vyara Malcheva, who is inspired by the oppositional forces that we witness every day.

    Have a look at the blog post to discover more about the artist.

    blue and grey strip line paining
     
    Image: Charting the unknown by Vyara Malcheva.

  • Changing Horizons

    5 – 27 September 2020
     
    “I like to explore Australian landscapes of the city, outback and ocean… our horizons inspire me as it reflects the often barren and endless nature of our continent… the feeling that there is always more beyond the horizon.” Don Whibley. This exhibition features the works of Don Whibley who has created a variety of landscapes under contrasting and changing skylines.

    Have a look at the blog post to discover more about the artist.

    Darling harbour paining on white and gray colors
     
    Image: Darling Harbour skyline, Don Whibley.

  • In the park: Georges River Artist in Residence 2020

    3 - 25 October 2020

    In the park: Georges River Artist in Residence 2020 showcases the works of Helen Amanatiadis, Emma Davidson, Sofie Dieu, and Tess Mehonoshen, who have all undertaken residencies at Carss Park over the past 12 months. The Carss Park Artist’s Cottage provides a studio and accommodation in a picturesque bush setting on the Georges River. The Artist in Residence program aims to foster connections and interactions between people, introducing artists, experiences and opportunities to the Georges River community.

    Have a look at the blog post to discover more about Helen Amanatiadis.

    sand artwork depicting a house and a tree on secuence
     
    Image: Tess Mehonoshen, Carss Park Lifesavers Hall - afternoon light, installation using locally sourced sand, 2020.

  • The human condition

    31 October - 22 November 2020

    The human condition features works produced during artist, Rosalie Duligal’s residency in Aix-en-Provence, France. From this residency, Duligal was inspired by the similarities and differences found in both Australian and French history as well as the universal concept of the human condition.

    Have a look at the blog post to discover more about the artist.

    painting of two rivers meeting on a green background
     
    Image: Where two rivers meet by Rosalie Duligal.

  • Burnt Earth

    28 November 2020 – 7 February 2021

    Burnt earth is a personal exploration of the devastating effects that the 2019/2020 bushfires had on the Australian landscape. Now 12 months on, this exhibition offers an eerie yet beautiful commentary on the lasting impact of the fires, as well documenting a glimpse of the recovery and regeneration that has begun to occur.

    Have a look at the blog post to discover more about the artist. 

    Painting by Michael Ambriano titled Eerie Quiet.

    Image: Eerie Quiet I by Michael Ambriano.

2019 Past Exhibitions 

  • A sense of belonging

    5 January – 3 February 2019

    A sense of belonging is a collection of recent paintings by artist Tracey Esteves. The exhibition focuses on a mix of imagery from Australian popular culture and offers the viewer a sense of familiarity and enchantment contained within her culturally inspired works. Her paintings are infused with Australian pop iconography together with a mix of postmodern appropriation to encourage a new conversation – a new story. 

    colorful painting of white man with blond hair standing next to a house, an ampol poster and two birds

    Image: Remember the days by Tracey Esteves.

  • Amulet: people, stories, objects

    9 February – 3 March 2019

    One small object can tell a big story.
    This exhibition reveals the people and stories behind a special piece of jewellery, a souvenir, gift or heirloom. Featuring original stories from the Fiestaville Multicultural Choir, Amulet is a collaborative project between photographer Janie Barrett, choir conductor Christina Mimmocchi and writer PP Cranney; curated by multimedia producer Sofia Carvajal.

    photograph of a hand holding an old metallic purse

    Image: Trish’s amulet. Photograph by Janie Barrett.

  • Girlhood

    8 – 31 March 2019

    Girlhood is a celebration of all women. Two artists – Lily Hogan and Jamie Parmaxidis – come together to observe how women have played a critical role in their own personal upbringing, exploring the complex environment in which ‘girls can be girls’. This takes form in youthful abstractions and photographic portraits representing a playful take on the representation of gender roles.

    white circles floating around a dark blue figure

    Image: Ovules, Lily Hogan.

  • Impressions

    6 April – 5 May 2019

    This exhibition features recent works exploring the concept of ‘impressions’ by 12 local artist printmakers from Studio 6 at Hazelhurst Regional Gallery. Impressions will showcase a wide variety of printmaking techniques including etching, collagraphy, linocut, and solar plate etching, in both two and three dimensional works.

    abstract brown multimedia artwork
    Image: Multimedia artwork, Pam Hobbs

  • Chance, order and the discarded

    11 May – 2 June 2019

    Evonne Manias creates works of art by collecting, recycling and repurposing litter and other discarded objects, such as bottle tops, cigarette butts, glass and discarded packaging, that she finds whilst walking through South Hurstville and the surrounding suburbs.

    Chance, order and the discarded aims to highlight the way we use and discard objects.

    Have a look at the blog post to discover more about the artist.

    yellow, orange, purple and black painting on cubes
    Image: Found painting (packaging), IGA car park 2018.

  • Creative

    8 - 30 June 2019

    This exhibition brings together the talents of tutors and group leaders from the St George Creative Art & Craft Centre and showcases the various art forms and crafts being taught there. St George Creative Art & Craft Centre has been an important institution in the Georges River area for over 40 years.

    Autumn collage with brown, orange and yellow colors and different plant motives

    Image: Autumn, Margaret Conlon.

  • Brush without fame

    6 - 28 July 2019

    With Brush without fame, Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation brings together a collection of contemporary and traditional Aboriginal art and craft, showcasing the work of established and emerging local Aboriginal artists. Each artwork is unique and depicts the artists’ personal stories. This exhibition is part of Georges River Council’s NAIDOC Week program.

    aboriginal painting of an emu inside a white circle and red background

    Image: A shell with Aboriginal artwork, Bagaay (Tom) Avery.

  • Bridging time and place

    3 – 25 August 2019

    Bridging time and place showcases linocuts and paintings that tell the story of coral encrusted pottery, created in China in the year 830. The pottery, which was salvaged from a shipwreck in 1998, connects different times, countries and cultures.

    Have a look at the blog post to discover more about the artist.

    blue and white base on a blue background

    Image: Beneath the surface, Julie Holohan

  • In the park

    31 August – 29 September 2019

    In the park: Georges River Artist in Residence showcases the works of Michael Ambriano, Kassandra Bossell, Elder, Jill Samera, Soupsue and Dawei Xu, who have all undertaken residencies at Carss Park earlier this year.  The Carss Park Artist’s Cottage in the former ranger’s house, provides a studio and accommodation in a picturesque bush setting on the Georges River.  The Artist in Residence program aims to foster connections and interactions between people, introducing artists, experiences and opportunities to the Georges River community.

    photograph of a rainy day of a night park view

    Image: 55 Days, Elder

2018 Past Exhibitions

  • Rock, Water, Air. An Exhibition of paintings

     4 - 25 February 2018
     
    Donna Ransom is a Sydney based artist. Her body of work is a response to the landscape. The title, Rock, Water, Air, reflects the unifying theme of the exhibition; that is the question of how to show the materiality, diversity and interaction of each of these elements found in the landscape.
     
    The diversity of the elements found in the Australian landscape prompt Donna to continually seek and expand on a variety of painting languages and approaches in response to places which are both delicate ecosystems and monumental ancient rock formations. The works are inspired by coastal and bush landscapes, ranging from the far South Coast of New South Wales, with its multitude of pristine coastal areas, to the Blue Mountains and the Georges River.

    rock with trees on a cliff

    Image: Afternoon, Donna Ransom.

  • In search of imagination: Constructing a praxis of creative effort

    3 - 24 March 2018
     
    “Art is a part of who we are | We need art because it makes us complete human beings.
    Art is healing | We need art to keep us healthy.
    Art is communication | We need art to have a full range of expression.
    Art is shared experience | We need art to keep us connected.
    Art offers a reason to come together and share an experience.” – Angela Iliadis
     
    Angela Iliadis is a visual artist with an artistic practice spanning painting, drawing, printmaking and digital photo art. Her works seek to use lines, colour and other elements of art and principals of design to create artworks that evoke feelings.

    colorful red, yellow and green close up window painting

    Image: Connections, Angela Iliadis. Photo: Joseph Iliadis.

  • 金継ぎKintsugi: All the King’s Horses

    7 - 29 April 2018
     
    Kintsugi is the ancient Japanese art form of restoring broken pottery with seams of lacquer mixed with gold, silver or platinum; the resultant piece being considered, as the adage goes; ‘more beautiful for having been broken.' Inspired by a recent trip to Japan, followed by a vision of cracks in dry land being filled with light, and cracks in her life being filled with gold, Jill embarked on creating a body of work that expressed the philosophy of Kintsugi; that repair from breakage can be a beautiful thing, in many aspects of life and relationships, as in objects.

    金継ぎ Kintsugi: All the King’s Horses comprises both paintings and broken ceramics, the latter having been restored by Jill using a modern technique she learned from Sydney based ceramicist Naomi Taplin at Studio Enti.
    square ceramic sculpture
    Image: King's find, Jill Samera

  • Meander

    5 - 27 May 2018

    “Painting and drawing, to me, is about living in the moment. It’s a snapshot of fleeting experiences, of seeing and responding to little things of wonder. The sensory fascination of a child with the ephemeral that still lingers in adulthood. As an artist, I am drawn to the sky and the land beneath it and the relationship between the two. The underlying principle is to capture the subtle senses within the landscape, the movement, the energy and the perception of time.”

    painting of a white and black feather on a cloudy background

    Image: Feather, Sonya Jackson

  • Dialogue with nature

    2 - 24 June 2018

    Fangmin (Jack) Wu has always been fascinated by the unique natural sceneries of this country, from rural farms to the streets of urban cities. In Dialogue with nature, Fangmin explores emotions and connections associated with the natural environment, through his use of bold colours and textures.

    painting composted by ten squares of a gum tree in a dark blue sky

    Image: Gum Tree XIII, Fangmin Wu.

  • Songs of the city

    30 June - 29 July 2018

    Songs of the city is a series of audio visual works created by young artists from Woniora Road School, in collaboration with artists Howard Matthew (digital media) and Michael Moebus (sound artist). The exhibition focuses on young people’s relationship to the city and ideas of heritage, culture and belonging.

    collage of colorful buildings

    Image: Tower of Babel, Woniora Road School.

  • From the studio

    4 - 26 August 2018

    An exhibition of recent landscapes selected from Steve Lopes's studio.

    grey mountain painting

    Image: Mountain study, Steve Lopes.

  • Face Value: An exhibition of mosaics, photography & painting

    1 - 23 September 2018

    Look at me… You can’t judge a book… The eyes are the window to the soul… Emerging artists from MHAD - Mental Health Arts Development - present new work in photography, mosaics, painting and mixed media, exploring perceptions and representations of self and others. The group was inspired by guest artist tutors Bebe Zekirovski, Maree Zavarise and Janet Selby. Funded by Georges River Council and Club Central.

    mosaic of a woman with red hair and blue eyes on a black background

    Image by Suzi.

  • The adventure begins! 1st Hurstville Scout Group

    29 September - 21 October 2018

    With around 70,000 members, Scouts Australia is one of the largest youth development organisations in Australia. The 1st Hurstville Scout Group was formed at the very beginning of the movement in 1908, and this year is celebrating 110 years of service to the community.
     
    In addition to hands-on activities for young and old, this exhibition will include an intriguing display of scouting heritage items, along with images of the Scouts continuing contribution to our community.

  • Beneath the surface

    27 October - 18 November 2018

    This exhibition showcases the work of eight Southern Sydney textile artists. These works can be defined as contemporary explorations of hand and machine stitching on traditional and altered textile surfaces which have been painted, rusted and burnt, then beaded, embroidered and embellished in various ways. The artists featured include Donna Boland, Janet Browne, Robyn Eves, Christine Kendratenko, Sandra Lyons, Gail Sadleir, Denise Sargo and Diane Simpson.

    three bases with an oval shape on a table

    Image: Vessel #311017, Vessel #091217, Vessel #081017, Vessel #231117, Robyn Eves.

  • Recycled fragments

    24 November - 16 December 2018

    Mia Mosaic artists from St George Creative Art & Craft Centre have created original pieces of art using preloved and found objects. “We wanted to make a difference to recycle, reuse, reduce and redesign to make art and make a positive impact on the planet by reclaiming landfill. The mosaic challenge of using 60% recycled materials can be complex but gratifying.”

    mosaic on an old pan of a human face

    Image: Rosie by Roslyn Norris

                       
Banner image credit: 'While you were sleeping' by Rebecca Trajkovski, on display at the Dragon's Lair Gallery from 12 June to 4 July 2021.



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