Exhibition surveys the best artistic talent of the region

Unique and thought-provoking artwork from some of the region’s best artists will go on display from Friday at the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries as part of The Survey exhibition.

It is the first time the exhibition has been held since 2014 following the galleries’ decision to move to a biennial schedule.

Bunbury Regional Art Galleries director Julian Bowron said he believed the two-year gap meant a wider variety of artwork among the 52 artists represented in the exhibition.

“I think there is a wider range of work because of the interval and there is a step up in quality this year,” he said.

“It’s always interesting in the South West because there seems to be an obsession with the coast but there are plenty of aerial and forest images. I wouldn’t say it’s more urban than previous years because there is still a strong connection to nature.”

Mr Bowron said the quality of artwork in this year’s exhibition was exceptional and a lot of media were represented.

“It ranges from the figurative to some of the dramatic installations,” he said.

“It will be a difficult decision to award the winner on the night, I’m a part of a panel with Sharon Tassicker, who is the curator of the Holmes a Court Gallery and ArtGeo coordinator Diana McGirr.

“It’s a challenge but we usually create a shortlist each and find an artwork we can all agree is the best.”

Mr Bowron said it was important to celebrate the work and achievements of South West artists.