THE latest art exhibition at The Centre, Beaudesert, is the culmination of years of work and study by local artist, Bronwyn Davies.
Maps & Traces is an eclectic mix of paintings and art installations.
It is an exhibition of layers – layers of artwork, text and poetry; with a feature artwork overlayed onto the Scenic Rim map that adorns the corridor into The Centre’s bar area, creating a fascinating visual piece.
“There are layers of meaning and things that have happened with the Traditional Owners, early settlers and conservationists over the years,” Bronwyn said of the exhibition.
Bronwyn’s career in the arts has taken her to diverse locations – from the heat and humidity of North Queensland to the rugged bushland of Tasmania, as well as overseas.
The natural environment has played an important part in this journey for the artist, who grew up around native bushland and finds peace in painting and drawing trees.
“You go into a church and you understand the sanctity of that church. When we go into a forest that’s a cathedral and we need to understand the sanctity of that environment,” she said.
Working with Australia’s natural environment it was important to Bronwyn to consider the input of the Traditional Owners of the land, and she thanked Waylene Currie and Brendan Knight for their assistance as cultural advisors of the exhibition.
Maps & Traces also showcases new techniques, as Bronwyn recently began experimenting with natural pigments.
“I love bright colours and I love oil paints, but in this work it seemed to speak to me to use these softer tones and I’m mixing those myself.”
“It’s an exploration and I’ve got so much to learn about what is appropriate – it’s not always appropriate to take rocks and turn those into filaments.”
“You’re never quite sure how it’s going to work but it’s really a way to tie it back to history as well.”
The free Maps & Traces exhibition runs from February 8 to April 17, 2025 at The Centre, Beaudesert.
