Haven
An exhibition of etchings & prints, drawings, digital art & ceramics by
Simon Kneebone, Pirie Martin, Maryanne Martin & John Martin
11 June – 4 July (QUARTER GALLERY)
The world as we knew it changed in 2020 with the many restrictions and repercussions continuing to embed their ways into our lives.
It was during Adelaide’s first response to Covid-19 that a small group of artists found themselves in their studios, homes and gardens working in what was once considered a somewhat closeted existence now becoming the new norm as more and more people began to work from home where the backyard, and gardens in particular, took on a whole new meaning and soon became their haven.
Gallery M’s new exhibition, Haven, includes etchings and lino prints, drawings, digital art and ceramics by Simon Kneebone, Pirie Martin, John Martin and Maryanne Martin. The exhibition is an intimate exploration of their personal havens as they were asked to take a closer look and reconnect with the beauty of those little places that might otherwise be taken for granted.
Simon Kneebone is a cartoonist and illustrator. His ink and watercolour sketches have been included in two previous exhibitions at Gallery M. His whimsical loose style of drawing for this exhibition has been inspired by his insight into human nature and the natural world.
Pirie Martin has previously exhibited oil paintings and black & white etchings of the Flinders Ranges. Confined to his studio, he used 2020 to explore new media and technologies to produce digital art prints and multi-coloured etchings using his backyard for inspiration.
John Martin usually spends his time out in the landscape drawing inspiration for his etchings and lino prints. His focus from the wide and varied Australian landscape was replaced with a more intimate look at the ‘miniature’ landscapes in his garden.
Maryanne Martin’s recent reconnection with ceramics provides her the opportunity to explore hand-built forms which she decorates using sgraffito, oxides and underglaze. Her inspiration is drawn from plants and patterns from the natural world.