Roger Bennie: Evolving Landscape
E3 art space: 10 - 18 February
Roger Bennie, Crudens Lane via Junee, 2011, oil on canvas
The constant transformartions of the Riverina environment are captured in a fascinating exhibition by artist Roger Bennie, Evolving Landscapes, on display in the E3 art space at Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. Reflecting the delight of nature's power to transform itself from one moment to the next, these paintings and watercolours present an absorbing combination of visions of the land, spanning many seasons and many times of day and night.
In Evolving Landscapes, Roger Bennie's work draws for inspiration especially upon the Impressionists, and their development of plein air practice, drawing and painting outside and exposed to the elements. While Roger has been influenced by artists of this period such as Van Gogh and Monet, and later painters like Picasso, his work, with its thick brushstrokes, vivid colours and subtle rhythmsm is nevertheless unique in applying the themes of those earlier sources to the subject matter of the land around him.
Roger Bennie has been living in Wagga Wagga for the past two years, studying at Charles Sturt University. Having grown up in a rural environment, he has spent most of his Sundays driving out of town along the dirt roads to paint the countryside in all season and all weathers.
"A great deal of inspiration came from living and working on a rural property at Warroo," says Roger. "This great exposure to natural beauty provided the opportunity to observe paddocks evolve from ploughed earth into crops that are eventually harvested. Living in a remote rural landscape when compared to living in a city follows the recurring theme within the exhibition that deals with contrast and transition. The intention is to use images as a metaphor for emotion, reminding us that we too are a part of nature and go through phases that lead to change."
Exhibition Launch
When: Friday 10 February, 6:00-8:00pm
Where: E3 art space, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
Cost: Free