New SAM exhibition is a visual trip through time

By Liam Nash

Mar 14, 2023

Powerful: Sam Jink’s piece *Woman and Child* will be on display at SAM’s *Dance Me to the End of Love* exhibition. Photo: Shepparton Art Museum. Photo by Shepparton Art Museum

A trip through life’s cycles is set to grace the wings of Shepparton Art Museum.

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New exhibition Dance With Me to the End of Love explores the different stages of human existence, providing a visual walk through 120 years of artistic form.

SAM exhibitions curator Jess O’Farrell said a number of themes and eras would be on show from Saturday, March 18.

“For the second major SAM Collection exhibition in the new SAM we wanted to showcase the breadth of our collection by including some all-time favourite pieces, such as Woman and Child, and sharing recent acquisitions,” she said.

“Dance Me to the End of Love explores stories of the universal journey of life through artworks that capture emotions and experiences that are difficult to describe in words.

“In recent years we have been reminded of the fragility of life and our deep need to connect with others.

“Our hope is that visitors will connect with stories and concepts that deeply resonate with them when viewing the show and share their own reflections on life with friends and family.”

A total of 39 artists’ work will comprise Dance Me to the End of Love.

A number of creatives both new and familiar to SAM’s alcoves will feature, including Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, Nell, Julie Dowling and Norah Gurdon, and Sam Jink.

The exhibition, free of charge for entry, runs until February 11, 2024.

In others news at SAM, the centre’s café will come under new providers from March 22.

‘Elsewhere at SAM’ will take over catering, arriving with more than 20 years’ combined experience from Ricardo Vilsson Mullor, Alaina Tuckett and Jonathan Chan.

“We are so thrilled to be extending the experience of SAM by connecting and engaging with our community through food and drink offerings,” Ms Tuckett said.

“Our team brings a wealth of local networks, knowledge and passion to the venture, strongly focusing on people through our commitment to excellent customer service.

“We will go to great lengths to promote and support the incredible local producers that the Goulburn Valley has to offer, and our attentive service will ensure that your meal is just as enjoyable as the art you came to see.”