Out of the Forest exhibition

Date: Tuesday, 10th February 2009

Out of the Forest is an exhibition of one person`s enduring investigation into the Golden Bower Bird. Ian Hamilton’s exhibition will be shown at the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery from 13 February until 22 March; this show opens up a discussion about the aesthetics of animal behaviour and their instinctive naturally designed constructions namely the ‘Bowers’.

The exhibition also investigates how time can affect production techniques and drive artistic practice within both an animals behaviour and an artists creative output. Ian Hamilton studied visual arts back in the late 1960s and since that time he has worked in a range of employment including the electrical trade, a Gallery Director and Arts Administrator. This background is crucial to his artistic career as his early artistic practice has remained semi dormant for many years. The work in this exhibition picks up his research started back in the mid 1970s where Hamilton received a grant to travel to Mt Spec in North Queensland and live in the forest for several weeks studying the Golden Bower Bird.

The sculptural works are partially mimicking the bird’s natural structure and a blend of an artist applying structure and formal aesthetics. ‘These works sit within environmental art’ said Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Director Frances Thomson, ‘and make us see the world from a different perspective’.

Out of the Forest will appeal to the artistic, research and naturalist audiences and is an excellent excursion for families. This exhibition has been developed from earlier exhibitions shown in Victoria and South Australia and includes both two and three dimensional material. This exhibition will travel to Spain later in 2009.

Exhibition Opening
7pm Friday 13 February 2009 by Jo Wieneke, Townsville expert on the Great Bowerbird

Free Artist Floor Talk
6pm Friday 13 February 2009

Exhibition Dates
13 February to 22 March 2009

Interviews and photo opportunities are available with the artist.

For more information please contact:Public Programs Coordinator, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery (07) 4727 9627