A new exhibition in Launceston is proving you can be creative and still think inside the square.
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Gallery Pejean’s second ever 30x30 exhibition allows artists to create pieces using any style, genre or medium they like – providing it fits into a space measuring 30cm squared.
An official opening at the gallery last Wednesday gave art lovers their first look at the exhibition, which features works by 14 Gallery Pejean artists.
Director Margot Baird said the smaller canvas size gave artists something new to think about it.
“A lot of artists who are used to painting big find it difficult to paint small, so some of them find it a real challenge,” Ms Baird said.
“A lot of people don’t like squares but it’s something that when you challenge yourself, it’s a new way you can work which is great.”
Most of the artists on display have contributed a handful of pieces to the exhibition, giving art lovers the chance to collect a series of work from their favourite artist.
Painter and sculptor Keith Lane contributed a series of six pencil and oil creations called Transfiguration for the exhibition, while Devonport photographer Estella Mason contributed a set of five photographic art pieces.
“From an artist’s point of view it’s good to be able to represent a small body of work.
“Rather than doing a whole solo show, this gives them the chance to do a set, so rather than one of paintings we’ve got sets of five and four.
“From a buyer’s point of view, Leoni Duff’s work is higher end, as is Michael Weitnaeur’s, so you could still get their original work but it’s smaller which makes it more affordable.
“It’s a really good way to start a collection, if you’re starting out and you buy a good name you can start off small and upsize later on.”
The exhibition also contains features a trio of pieces by Mandy Hunniford titled Chung Gon’s Orchard, and a series of five digital paintings by Richard Klekociuck representing the North-West Coast’s Table Cape Tulip Farm.
Ms Baird said the variety of works on display catered for a wide range of tastes, while the smaller sizing meant hanging space would not pose a problem.
“It’s a nice diverse show.
“We’ve got digital prints, paintings, digital photography, regular photography, mixed media and oil paintings so there’s quite a mixture.
“People say ‘oh I’ve got no wall space’, but clearly you can fit (a 30x30cm piece) in.
“Then you can always make a feature, so you could have (multiple) works ordered in rectangles or landscape or portrait to fill in that space with one artist's work, or a selection of artists.”
The 30x30 exhibition will be on display until August 12.
Gallery Pejean is open from 10am to 5.30pm Wednesday to Friday and from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.