Titled ‘A Well Structured Nature’, the exhibition features landscapes and floral works that are inspired by the Strathbogie Ranges.
“My paintings are always better when I’m in ‘Bogie’,” Anna said.
Place and belonging, mood, colour, tone and light are key concepts and elements in Anna’s practice, which can be seen in her works.
Anna’s paintings are intimate portrayals of the region that she calls home.
But her creative practice is informed by a broader aim to explore multiple ways of representing the stillness, isolation and “slow beauty” of the rural Australian landscape, and life.
Recently, Anna was inspired by the 360-degree vista of the Strathbogie region from the summit of Mt Wombat.
The paintings of Mt Wombat capture variations in the ever-changing and shifting landscape by exploring the interplay of light, shadow and atmospheric conditions that are present.
“I never tire of being up here, it’s always different and beautiful,” she said.
“It’s hard not to feel a sense of wonder and awe when I look out into the landscape.
“You get a real sense of the expansiveness of this ancient landscape.
“The terrain is as varied as it is captivating.”
In her flower paintings and still-life arrangements, Anna works quickly to capture short-lived blooms before engaging in a longer process of working from intuition, memory and photographs.
Anna’s artistic practice is an ongoing creative project to depict a private and complex view, of a well-structured nature, that is symbolic of the rural landscape and its people.
Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said the exhibition was deserved recognition for a dedicated and skilled artist, not only practising in the region, but making work deeply informed by her surroundings.
Audiences are invited to gain a more profound understanding of the exhibition at a workshop with Anna Mackrell on May 17 from 11am to 3pm.
The cost is $110 for members, or $120 for non-members. Numbers are strictly limited. To secure your place, email the gallery at gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au.
Anna Mackrell: A Well Structured Nature is free to view and will be on display at Benalla Art Gallery until June 9.
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