In the realm of artistic expression, Linda Gallus stands as a luminary whose work transcends conventional boundaries, inviting audiences to perceive the world through her unique lens.
Her upcoming exhibition, titled “In the Eye of the Beholder,” promises to be a remarkable celebration of her deep-seated connection to rural Victoria, where she finds unending inspiration in the intricate dance between nature and human-made marvels.
Commencing at the St Arnaud Raillery Hub Gallery on October 14 at 2 p.m., this exhibition invites viewers to embark on an enchanting journey through the realms of Linda Gallus’s imagination, and will be on display until December 3.
Gallus’s artistic journey is profoundly influenced by her upbringing and the legacy of her father, an architect. This familial connection has imprinted within her an innate urge to capture the essence of buildings and structures on canvas.
Testament
Her work serves as a testament to her desire to preserve the architectural beauty of her surroundings while infusing them with an air of enigma and surprise. In a style reminiscent of the iconic Sydney Nolan, Gallus seeks to weave elements of mystique and unpredictability into her art.
As she traverses the picturesque landscapes of country Victoria, Linda Gallus discovers a world filled with captivating scenes, structures, and the interplay of light. Birds, animals, and the tales that whisper through the wind capture her imagination, inspiring her to create visual symphonies. With an almost instinctual process, she meticulously absorbs these elements, allowing them to percolate through her mind, ultimately giving rise to a visual narrative.
When Gallus puts brush to canvas, she embarks on a creative journey where challenges and solutions intertwine. Her artistic process is dynamic, often veering away from the initial plan. This fluidity in her work, akin to Sydney Nolan’s approach, allows unexpected elements to emerge, each contributing to a story that was not originally conceived but, in retrospect, feels profoundly fitting.
Gallus’s final masterpieces are not mere realistic representations of the scenes she originally encountered. Instead, they are vibrant tapestries woven from a multitude of unrelated events and ideas that coalesce into a rich narrative. Each brushstroke tells a story, inviting viewers to explore and interpret the intricacies of her constructed reality.
Inspiration
Sydney Nolan, an enduring source of inspiration for Gallus, has played a pivotal role in shaping her artistic identity. Gallus’s fascination with Nolan’s work has driven her to spend extensive time in the Wimmera region, retracing the footsteps of the iconic artist. Interestingly, her own lineage intersects with Nolan’s history in this region.
Her ancestors hailed from Dimboola, where Nolan was stationed during World War II while serving in the army. In a poignant twist of fate, her great-grandfather ran the General Store adjacent to the place where Nolan created many of his renowned Wimmera Series paintings.
“In the Eye of the Beholder” promises to be an exhibition that invites viewers to embark on a captivating journey through the intertwined realms of Linda Gallus’s imagination and the timeless landscapes of rural Victoria. Through her artistic alchemy, she breathes life into the ordinary, revealing the extraordinary within it. The result is a visual symphony that transcends reality, inviting us all to become beholders of her unique and enchanting world.
The St Arnaud Raillery Hub public gallery is located in the historic St Arnaud Railway Station on Queen Street, St Arnaud, and is open Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m..
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 10 October 2023.
