Little Creatures – a SALA exhibition

Tom has taken part in a charming outdoor group show curated by Eric Cross in the Gardens of Al Ru Farm.  Titled Little Creatures, it focuses on that enigmatic and often hatted fellow – the Gnome.

Cross states, “The history of garden gnomes can be traced to Germany’s Black Forest region in the early 19th century, when dwarf statues, first carved from wood and later sculpted from clay were placed in gardens to ensure a bountiful harvest and keep evil spirits away.  They have since evolved into the realm of whimsical, funny, kitsch, and sometimes even crass and controversial.

For this show, we would like artists to reinterpret the garden gnome as a piece of small sculpture.  We have approached artists and craftspeople in the materials of glass, wood, ceramic, metal and mixed media with a focus on finely crafted objects.  Artists will have the opportunity to explore the archetype: from minimalist formal approaches, to whimsical and playful expressions, to the Australian context.”

 

 

In the garden…

 

 

BerryWinkle the Bold

 

 

ButterPup Sizzle-Ears

 

 

and Handy AgaPantherz

 

 

Growing stealthily,

Never expected,

Ostentatiously enigmatic,

Marvelously lucky,

Evoking abundance,

Satisfaction guaranteed.

 

 

 

The gnomes were placed in the landscape and visitors were given a map, to explore both the gardens and to discover all the gnomes.  The show was open during SALA from the 3rd -11 August, 2024, at Al Ru Farm in One Tree Hill, South Australia.