Down the rabbit hole
Posted on: Tue 6 Aug 2024
Today I have a special treat for you — an enchanting exhibition inspired by Lewis Carroll’s beloved novel, Alice in Wonderland. This year’s SALA event at Linhay Gallery, located in the enchanting town of Auburn, in Clare Valley, promises to transport you straight “Down the Rabbit Hole.”
From Saturday, August 3rd to Sunday, August 25th, local artists have conjured magic through various media, including paint, photography, textiles, and mixed media. The exhibition is hosted by none other than South Australian visual artist Hellen. Her beautifully restored Auburn’s heritage-listed Old Corn Store (definitely worth the visit) serves as the perfect backdrop for this fantastical journey.
Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland is a treasure trove of memorable quotes and scenes, sparking creativity for generations. As Alice herself said, “Curiouser and curiouser!” This theme resonates deeply with the various artists, who have explored the surreal and whimsical aspects of the story.
Leanne Austin‘s beautiful piece, “Through the Door,” reminds us of the wisdom in Carroll’s words: “The secret of life is to surround yourself with smiling people.” Her artwork captures the joy and curiosity that Alice felt in her adventures. It is about discovering new places, new people, new situations… it is also about self discovery and realising that everything we need and all the answers are around us but also within us. As usual, Leanne’s talent and creativity is just magic and will take you on a journey to want to know more and explore more as you fall graciously down the rabbit hole!
Glenys Brokenshire takes us further “Down the Rabbit Hole” with her intriguing mixed work “what happens down the rabbit holes?”. It’s a reminder, much like the tale itself, that life can be confusing—a maze of choices and doors, often leading to unexpected places. Just as Alice pondered, “It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.”
Stu Nankivell‘s vibrant piece, “We’re All Mad Here,” echoes the Cheshire Cat’s famous line, celebrating the delightful madness that makes life interesting. “But I don’t want to go among mad people,” Alice remarked. “Oh, you can’t help that,” said the Cat: “we’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.”How do you know I’m mad?” said Alice. “You must be” said the cat “or you would have not come here”… Stu Nankivell’s piece captures the essence of this madness reminding us that there are other kind of rabbits holes too and things aren’t always what they seem to be….what do you see? Is it just a group of crazy friends or maybe a dysfunctional family or what about a chaotic work place…. or maybe it is just a metaphor portraying the confusion in one’s mind when dealing with a complicated situations, cornelian choices….navigating life troubles where nothing makes sense…. I know for sure what I see in this painting and it is just pure delightful madness to take home!
And let’s not forget Ann Foster’s beautiful Zentangle creation, which invites us to reflect on our own journeys and the intricate patterns we weave.
But there are so many more artists and pieces to discover… This exhibition is more than just a visual feast. It’s an invitation to reflect on the expression “to go down the rabbit hole” and its many meanings. It’s about jumping into something new, being open to ideas beyond what we know, and delving deep into the unknown.
As you explore these artworks, remember Alice’s wise words: “Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality.” Each piece in this exhibition is a testament to the boundless creativity that Carroll’s tale continues to inspire.
So, mark your calendars! Visit the Linhay Gallery and immerse yourself in this extraordinary celebration of art and imagination. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Alice in Wonderland or new to its charms, there’s something magical here for everyone.
Stay curious, keep exploring, and remember: in the world of art, every adventure is just a rabbit hole away. See you at the Linhay Gallery!
Enjoy the down the rabbit hole playlist crafted to celebrate this in music and listen to the replay now!
———————————–
The FREE art exhibition “down the rabbit hole”, generously opened to the public, can be seen from Saturday, August 3rd to Sunday, August 25th 2024 at:
Linhay Gallery, located at 13 Main North Road, Auburn, South Australia
Reviewed by: Virginie the Frenchie
Image: Author’s own – Virginie Forest
The Range
