East Gippsland Art Gallery recently opened four new exhibitions.
In the West Gallery, Melbourne-based artist Josh Dykgraaf unveils Formation – a series of photographic manipulations that blur the line between reality and imagination.
Each work is an intricate construction, built from hundreds of his own photographs, thousands of layers and crafted over many hours.
Since the 2019–20 bushfires, Gippsland has become fertile ground for his creative exploration, offering the raw materials he transforms into his visions.
Dykgraaf’s works grapple with urgent themes – the consequences of human impact on the natural environment, wildlife conservation and climate change.
In the East Gallery, the work of Jenny Toye takes centre stage.
A practicing artist, teacher and artist in residence at festivals locally and beyond, Froute Loops, Contours, and Onomatopoeia marks a departure from her usual sculpture practice.
Following a major exhibition in Geelong, Jenny turned to porcelain to unwind, captivated by its tactile, unpredictable nature.
The pieces grew organically, with wild arms, legs and spouts emerging through a meditative and playful process.
Onomatopoeia features 3D words inspired by sound and crafted from felt, built up in layers and hand-cut, designed to complement the stripes in the Froute Loops series.
In the Sideshow Gallery, Tracey Solomon presents Rattenfänger, works on scratchboard, a form of direct engraving where dark ink is scratched away to reveal a layer beneath.
Rattenfänger (German for “rat catcher”) draws inspiration from the folklore of the Pied Piper, who lured rats to their doom.
Tracey delves into the moral tension between the act of exterminating pests and her own compassion as an animal lover.
In the quiet space of the Vault Gallery, Carole Pepper’s delicate embroidery invites a moment of stillness.
“My work is meditative and calming — the essence of who I am,” she reflects.
Through each carefully stitched thread, Pepper celebrates the beauty that surrounds us, offering a gentle reminder of its preciousness and fragility.
All exhibitions are open until June 14, 2025 and entry is free.
