THE CONDENSERY, Somerset Regional Art Gallery, will present a collaborative exhibition bringing together internationally renowned artists with Somerset’s home-grown talents.

Opening 15 February, Volatile Terrain exhibition is part of Somerset Regional Council’s inaugural Harvest Biennial, an exhibition series devoted to themes of the environment and place.

The project includes opportunities for Somerset artists and an extensive community engagement program.

The Condensery is proud to exhibit the work of Somerset artists Cassandra Hodgins, Jim Filmer, Naomi McKenzie, Sandi Hook and Shirley Gregor in Volatile Terrain.

The exhibition is guest curated by Cara-Ann Simpson, an artist, curator, educator and consultant from Toowoomba.

Over the past 10 months, Cara-Ann Simpson has hosted curatorial discussions with the selected Somerset artists including film photographer Naomi McKenzie.

“It has been a privilege to work with Cara-Ann Simpson and The Condensery over the past 10-months,” Mrs McKenzie said.

“The opportunity to create new work that connects to the Somerset region has been both professionally and personally rewarding.”

A complement of artists from across Australia will enrich the themes and work of the Somerset artists.

Invited artists include Bonita Ely, Dylan Sarra, Judy Watson, Kate Geck, Marian Drew, Megan Cope, Keg de Souza and Pita Tina Yeganeh.

Arts Culture and Heritage Committee Chair and Somerset Councillor Kylee Isidro said Council was thrilled to present the inaugural Harvest Biennial.

“This exhibition project came about through community feedback and stems from Council’s Arts and Culture Plan,” Cr Isidro said.

“Investing in Somerset artists and connecting them to internationally acclaimed peers through this opportunity is a fantastic outcome.”

The exhibition references the creation of Wivenhoe Dam and its impacts on the region, the need to conserve native flora and fauna, the importance of capturing our changing landscape through imagery, and much more.

Volatile Terrain includes a suite of talks, workshops and activities, led by artists featured in the exhibition.The exhibition will officially open Saturday, 15 February 2025, from 4pm – 6pm.
Bookings essential, visit thecondensery.com.au/volatile-terrain-exhibition-opening

Volatile Terrain will be open from 15 February to 27 April 2025.

This project was made possible by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, provided through Regional Arts Australia, administered in Queensland by Flying Arts Alliance.

Further assistance is provided by the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Somerset Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.