TYTO: This Is Who We Are

Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui

THE annual Ingham Arts Action Group member's exhibition for 2023, 'This is who we Are,' which opened on Friday night, August 4, at the Tyto Regional Art Gallery, leaves no doubt that Ingham is richly blessed with many talented artists. Those in attendance were clearly impressed by the quality and number of exhibits.

The Ingham Arts Action Inc. (formerly Ingham Art Society) was established in

1963 and has welcomed many creatives over the past 60 years.

This exhibition demonstrates the diverse artistic genres and mediums and the diversity of skills and techniques the Arts Action Group embraced. This diversity is evident in the grouping of work; sculpture, printmaking, painting, ceramics or pottery, and photography.

Some artists exhibiting are professionals, while others are just beginning or mid-way in their creative journey. Some artists work in a single area of interest or genre; others in several. Some are traditional in their approach, while others are more experimental.

Guest speaker Dr Ann Vardanega, whose own impressive work is exhibited in this exhibition, described how the artists share an intimate insight into who they are in each creative work displayed. She explained that there is a pleasure and often frustration in producing art. For most artists, it is a calling, part of their lives, filling their souls with joy. Each artwork exhibited has an underlying meaning only known to the artist. At the same time, the viewer is drawn to the work by their own personal preferences, history, and emotional stance. Viewers are encouraged to engage with the exhibition with this in mind actively.

In addition, visitors are invited to read the artists' profiles on the main wall. The audience is not often offered such a literal insight into the artist's background. Instead, they are left to imagine who the artist is and what they are about. This is a compelling addition to the exhibition.

'This is who we Are' is on display until 4.00 pm Sunday, September 3, 2023. The TYTO Regional Art Gallery is open daily 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.