From the Director

Hello Everyone,

There’s something wonderful about seeing art in person; being able to notice the textures, the details, and just spending a bit of time with it. That’s exactly what How Soon is Now? is all about, and I’m excited to share it with you.

The exhibition brings together a selection of renowned artist, Bruce Reynolds’ cast relief works and his collaged linoleum pieces. They’re incredibly tactile and in a world where so much happens on screens, it’s a good reminder of how rewarding it is to slow down and look at something made by hand.

Bruce is a Brisbane-based artist who grew up in Canberra. His practice moves across painting, sculpture, drawing and even architecture, and he’s spent decades developing a distinctive approach. Time working in Rome, particularly at The British School, had a strong influence on his use of relief, creating works that sit somewhere between painting and sculpture, coming off the wall while still feeling connected to it.

He’s also travelled widely, including to China, Bangladesh, Malta and Italy, following the movement of ideas and forms across cultures. You can feel that sense of history in the work, alongside more personal references, bringing together the ancient and the everyday in a thoughtful way. His early years in Canberra also seem to linger in the work, with an ongoing curiosity about landscape, design and how people shape the world around them.

As you move through the exhibition, there’s a quiet conversation happening between past and present, prompting you to think about how we understand history, and how that shapes how we see ourselves now.

As Bruce says:
“Since how we see the past reflects how we see ourselves, the works are intended to question the tableau of history with consideration of the recent and ancient together.”

More than anything, it’s an exhibition that invites you to take your time with it. Whether you come to galleries often or not, there’s something here to connect with.

We would love you to join us for the opening on Thursday 21 May from 6.00pm. It’s going to be a great night with live music, great food and drinks, and a chance to hear Bruce talk about his work. Tickets are $15 and available now through our website.

If you’re after something a bit more low-key, we’re hosting a free artist walk and talk the next morning at 10am. It’s a nice, relaxed way to explore the exhibition and chat with Bruce, with tea and coffee on hand.

How Soon is Now? is a Museums & Galleries Queensland touring exhibition, presented with Bruce Reynolds, and supported by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program and Arts Queensland.

I hope you can come along, whether for the opening, the talk, or just a visit. It’s a great chance to spend some time with work that really rewards a closer look.

Looking forward to seeing you in the Gallery.

Jo Duke
Director

About the exhibition

Launch tickets

Look forward to seeing you in the gallery…

Jo Duke
Gallery Director

Image credits: