Local artist to hold first solo exhibition

A BEECHWORTH artist and sculptor will showcase abstract works in an exhibition ‘Obscurity’ at the Art Gallery on Ovens in Wangaratta next week. Maureen Varnavsky’s first solo exhibition kicks off with an opening celebration at 6pm on Thursday, 24 April. “The theme of this exhibition is one developed from university studies based on how society relates to older women becoming less important, less noticeable and less obvious,” she said. “My work in oils and acrylics is varied across mediums, subjects and styles with the theme based on obscurity.” The artist said ambiguity in her work invited people to explore the depth of the painting giving people an experience to look within. “It's a very eclectic collection, because I like to go where things lead me,” she said. “I also like to paint seascapes as I love the ocean.” A creative person all her life, Maureen recently pursued her art passion completing a three-year bachelor’s degree in fine arts at Queensland’s Griffith University in 2023. Studies followed an extensive background in interior design when living in the Southern Highland town of Bowral in NSW for around 40 years. “I’ve had a lot of experience with art and artists, and helping clients and artists get together,” she said. “I’m an emerging artist but have been involved in the Bowral and District Art Society as well as a number of art galleries for a number of years. “I’ve also had the opportunity to work on the design of several art galleries.” Maureen said when she discovered her love of art, an upward progression had taken place ever since with her work exhibited with other artists. The artist said undertaking a degree gave her a chance to study at deeper and more intellectual levels. Maureen moved to Beechworth towards the end of last year after some domestic travel and works from a studio at the Mayday Hills Art Society premises. “I love Beechworth and have been coming here for years,” she said. “I’m also now part of the art collective team at the Art Gallery on Ovens.” As a sculptor too, among her bronze sculpture works is the ‘Goddess of old ladies'. “I feel older women become less visible in society these days and our value can be overlooked,” she said. “The goddess is very benevolent, encompasses the world, is gracious, and has the wisdom of the world in her.” Maureen’s Still Life works on show too have been inspired by Italian painter and printmaker Giorgio Morandi’s (1890 – 1964) devotion to the honesty of form. The artist will have around 20 works on show. “I hope people enjoy the exhibition with the theme as expressed in different styles,” she said. ‘Obscurity’ at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway off Murphy Street in Wangaratta runs until Tuesday, 6 May with opening hours Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 4pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 2pm. For more details about the exhibition visit www.artgalleryonovens.com.

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