ArtSpace Launches 2023 Program With “Moments In Time”

Griffith Regional Theatre’s ArtSpace will present an artistic interpretation of an historical site in Yanco for its first exhibition of the year.

Local artist and creator of Yanco “Moments in Time”, an exhibition documenting and highlighting the history of the Riverina Welfare Farm for Boys Yanco (1928 to 1942) and the “POW Camp 15 Yanco” (1942 to 1946).

Historical records, relics and press clippings informing, educating and contextualising the 1920s to 1940s in the Riverina accompany the exhibition.

Dorothy Roddy began her artistic practice in 2013 when she learned to draw from a book which helped her develop a talent for portraiture.

In 2015 she explored painting with oils, painting just for the joy of it, and most of her early works were gifted to friends and family.

She was invited to hold a solo exhibition at the newly opened Leeton Museum and Gallery (LMAG) in 2020 and told anyone who didn’t already know here that she knew how to paint.

Now, Dorothy proudly calls herself an artist.

“In 2021, I was commissioned by Leonie Napier, Yanco Museum Project Coordinator, to reproduce historical photos as artworks,” Dorothy said.

“The original concept was to be in black and white, but I suggested I could use my new-found skill of colourising an image that would make for a more realistic portrayal of the subject.

“Thus, Yanco “Moments in Time” was created.”

It took 12 months to complete the project and, after extensive research and selecting the best photos for the exhibition, the result was 12 oil paintings.

The artworks were reimagined from the original historical black and white photos and brought to life in full colour, each with its own interesting story to tell.

Griffith Regional Art Gallery Coordinator, Ray Wholohan said the exhibition was for everyone interested in local history or who had an affinity with the Yanco Agricultural Institute (formerly known as Yanco Experiment Farm) as well as art lovers.

“The exhibition showcases two bodies of work which highlight the development and evolution of the Yanco Agricultural Institute over its 115 years of operation,” Mr Wholohan said.

Dorothy Roddy’s exhibition will remain on display at ArtSpace at Griffith Regional Theatre until Friday, March 17.

Visit www.artinoils.com.au or follow Dorothy Roddy’s Instagram @dorothyroddyart for more information about the artist.

Learn more about ArtSpace or exhibition from the Griffith Regional Art Gallery by emailing gallery@griffith.nsw.gov.au, calling 6962 8338 or visiting www.griffithregionalartgallery.com.au.

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• Arts and Media