Noosa councillor Karen Finzel will unveil the official opening of one of Australia’s national living treasures, 84-year-old artist Joan Hurtado, in her solo exhibition at Max Galleria called Perceptions.
Max Galleria owner and artist Maxine Stibbe said, “While famous Australian art has a history of female artists, men have dominated the art scene, and despite some progress, we’re still underrepresented today, especially the elders/aged artists.“
“I am interested in women’s issues, and living in Noosa Shire, we have a very high demographic of women over 65.
“I am part of the Noosa Women’s Collaborative Network, and I hear these stories from older women/peer all the time.
“I was contacted by Joan Hurtado, after a connection made via a mutual friend Brisbane ex-deputy mayor/artist David Hinchcliffe, wondering if I’d be interested in showing her latest collection of impressionist paintings.
After an hour talking on the phone, it was agreed, that the people of Noosa Shire/Sunshine Coast would be given the opportunity to view and purchase her tranquil, mesmerising artworks.”
Joan said each painting in this series explored the theme of water lilies from different points of view.
Foreground, middle distance, far distance, bird’s eye view, fish eye view, aerial perspective, reflections and further beyond the material world to an abstracted rendering connecting the feeling of the subject.
“When I am painting I am very focused and in the moment,“ Joan said.
“In this state, the artist becomes one with the universe and goes beyond the material world as in meditation. In fact, to me, painting is meditation.
“I also believe that when someone is viewing the artwork they are also connected to the vibrations of the artist and can experience the joy of exploring the nature of the subject through the eyes of the artist.
“As the viewer engages with the painting, they are also experiencing transcending the material world as in meditation.”
Joan is not the only octogenarian to exhibit their works in Max Galleria, there are plenty of local artists being represented in this contemporary, local art gallery.
“I love the fact that art is made and sold in the Shire and it stays in the local economy,“ Maxine said.
“It’s all about shop local, support local. Creative industries is thriving and we all should support each other in any way we can.”
The solo exhibition and workshop by Joan Hurtado ’Perceptions’, is set to be officially opened by councillor Karen Finzel on Friday 4 November from 6pm.
Joan will be holding a mixed-media workshop at Max Galleria on Saturday 5 November from 12:30-1:30pm.
Open to all ages/abilities and all materials will be supplied for $80. Bookings essential.
Max Galleria is located in Tewantin Plaza and has street parking, onsite parking and wheelchair access.
