A new powerful exhibition, Eye to Eye, is to set to open at the Araluen Arts Centre on Thursday, 30 June.

Director of Araluen Cultural Precinct Dr Mark Crees said he was delighted to showcase a powerful and complex series of paintings by Alice Springs artist Jennifer Taylor. 

This inspiring exhibition brings together paintings of two places of importance for Taylor: Aotearoa/New Zealand, her birthplace and childhood home; and Arrernte country in Central Australia, her chosen home.

Ms Taylor said: “To my encounters with Arrernte country, I bring my own cultural background, including painting approaches that reference the European landscape tradition, and memories of the land, language and waters of Aotearoa.”

Ms Taylor said while growing up, she had learnt one’s ‘turangawaewae’ - place to stand - is the basis for knowing who you are, and for respectfully connecting with others, ‘eye to eye.’

“Knowing the mountains, waterways, and people of your home place is the basis for all relationships,” Ms Taylor said.

Eye to Eye explores the grief and losses associated with social and environmental change in Arrernte country, as well as the beauty and strength of the area.

Dr Crees said Taylor’s works were driven by love and sorrow for country, and concern for its protection.

Ms Taylor hopes the paintings “evoke in viewers a sense of what has been lost from the country and a fierce, protective love for what endures.” 

The exhibition will officially be opened by Dr Josie Douglas, with music by the Splinters, at 6pm on Thursday 30 June.

The exhibition will run until Sunday 14 August. Visitors are encouraged to join Jennifer Taylor, Dr Josie Douglas and Arrernte Traditional Owners on Saturday 2 July at 11.30 am for a conversation and artist talk entitled A Place to Stand: art and caring for country.

Media contact – Jordan Raymond-Monro, 8999 4726