Spirit of the selfie

PHOTOGRAPHY is usually not allowed in art galleries but local artist Debra Dougherty is encouraging visitors to pull out their cameras and take a selfie at her latest exhibition #bittersweetart.
Artist and Instagrammer Debra invites visitors to take selfies while standing in front of one of her colourful art works – colourful spirit bird, sacred heart bird or #enerchiar, to truly express themselves.
“The selfie mirrors you, but when you choose which art to pose in front of you express your spirit self,” Debra said.
“The world of Instagram and Facebook shows a curated version of yourself while your real world might be full of change you cannot control.
“I balance this bittersweet reality by producing expressive colourful works of art.
“My art making is a moving meditation; balance in motion, every brush stroke is an extension of myself.
“I am totally present while I paint, bringing life, passion and energy to my work.”
Debra said when she shares a photo of her art practice on social media it is like putting art in a gallery.
“The art is no longer part of me, the viewer takes on its story if only for a few seconds,” she said.
“But this gallery is worldwide with young street artists, school children, food lovers and all sorts of people taking a peep at my art.
“I feel free to paint up a vibrant conversation with these people which differs from the conversations I had when only a few people saw my art in small local galleries.”
Debra invites visitors to come to her engaging exhibition and extend an ‘insta’ moment into a real gallery, authentic experience.
The exhibition opens on Saturday 13 August at 1.30pm at the Gympie Regional Gallery.
There will also be music by local classical guitarist Tracey O’Brien, an expressive artistic fashion parade with designer head-pieces by Cindy Vogels and body art by award-winning body painting artist Jude Spence.