Exhibition explores ‘objectness’ of animals through taxidermy and souvenir
Tweed Regional Gallery, Media Release, 28 April 2022
Deb Mostert has been a practising artist for more than 30 years, with her work investigating the meaning of collections and objects.
Her new exhibition Animal as Object at Tweed Regional Gallery has been developed from years of observation and research within the bird and mammal collections at the Queensland Museum.
In this exhibition, Mostert explores the paradoxical ‘objectness’ of animals in nature through taxidermy and in culture through the souvenir.
“We have and are creating facsimiles and profiting from these copies despite the real risk of losing the originals,” Mostert said.
Through mash-ups of early scientific taxonomy charts and illustrations, museum taxidermy, pop culture and the mass-produced souvenir, Mostert asks questions about artifice, collection, consumerism, mimicry, wonder and beauty – ‘Can we embrace the original instead of accepting the poor copy?’
Mostert has a regimented daily habit of drawing in a sketchbook, which feeds into her practice and will be included as part of the exhibition.
The artist will also be facilitating a journaling workshop in June which will include an original drawing from Deb in a beautiful travel-size journal for you to continue to develop at home.
Photo courtesy the artist.
Mostert holds a Bachelor of Fine Art from Queensland College of Art, has had 18 solo shows and been involved in more than 70 group shows in both regional and commercial galleries.
She has won several awards and been a finalist in many national art prizes including the Bale Painting Prize, the Salon de Refuses, Jacaranda Drawing Prize and Marie Ellis Prize for Drawing.
Mostert has more than 15 years’ teaching experience with workshops and artist in residencies.
Animal as Object will be on display at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre from 6 May to 16 October 2022.
Public Programs
Sunset Session with Deb Mostert | Friday 6 May 2022 | 5.30–7pm | $20
Join Deb Mostert in conversation with Susi Muddiman OAM for a special Sunset Session as the artist demonstrates techniques from a still life set up. Enjoy a complimentary drink upon arrival. Bookings: https://ssdebmostert.eventbrite.com.au
Gallery Masterclass: Journaling Workshop with Deb Mostert | Monday 20 June 2022 | 10am–4pm | $190
Learn drawing and observations techniques, as well as key elements of the journaling process integral to the artist’s practice. Subject matter will include found natural objects and taxidermy. Bookings: https://journalworkshopdebmostert.eventbrite.com.au
