Behind the scenes ~ when exhibiting at Gallery 11:11

Now in the final week of Murray Walsh’ third solo exhibition, I felt it may be a good opportunity to use this journey as an example of what generally happens in order to reach the final outcome.. the exhibition.

Murray and his wife Ros first came through the gallery doors in 2020, keen to find out the details of the gallery as they were from Epping and had just realised that there was a local gallery in the suburbs.

Murray immediately struck me as one who was keen to share his story and genuine connection to his subject matter, that, at the time being the Central West. The rest is history. First came ‘ The Smell Before Rain’, next ‘Unfathomed’ and now here we are, in the final week of his solo exhibition ‘eight degrees’.

Over the years there have been many exhibitions (not just Murray’s) that I could proudly use as an example for honouring my vision for Gallery 11:11 in regard to collaboration and connecting to the audience. For the purpose of this blog, Murray’s exhibition is a fine example.

Let’s talk ‘connecting’. Murray has consistently kept me up to date with his progress, his connection to Uluru, the Central West and Japan, asking for feedback and encouraging objective input. Often as Artist’s we become so emotionally connected to our work that we lose sight of the big picture for the body of work and it is priceless to have peers to keep us on track.

Murray is no doubt multi disciplinary. His exhibition covers a wide range of mediums and he has not spared any expense with the finer details. Even the framing of work was a collaborative undertaking, trusting the team at Sydney Framing with several works, the result is so incredibly impressive. One example of such details can be seen in the custom matching of phthalo blue for the frames in the Katu Tjuta duo. Another example of attention to detail was in collaborating with Pete from Framing Life to compliment the ‘Wedding Tree’ duo on marine ply with museum grade glass and stressed off-white frames to reflect the over 300 year old box tree that has witnessed numerous family celebrations.

Then we have the colour wall that focuses on Murray pushing his scumbling technique with oil on canvas and the acrylic on canvas works, painted plein air in the Central West.

For a solid year Murray has worked through his connection to these places, their interconnectedness, namely 8 degrees in longitude, exploring processes to successfully translate his response to the forms, colours and textures.

Painting is one thing though working toward an event is another. Whilst pondering compositions and palettes, challenges of weather with plein air painting and life in general, Murray also managed to liaise with the wonderfully talented local fine art ceramicist, Buff Sietsma. They met on several occasions to ensure that the 3D works honoured Murray’s journey. The feedback has been so positive. Such a seamless collaboration.

Further collaboration was had with Chris from Whale Rock Brewing. The local lads from Whale Rock Brewing supported Murray’s first exhibition with boutique beer tasting so it was great to have them return for this current exhibition. Also fantastic to see that they now have their pale ale on tap or for sale in quite a few local pubs and retailers.

Marketing was equally important down to the flyer which Murray respectfully checked in with both Buff and the gallery on several occasions to ensure that we were all happy with the content and the overall aesthetic.

Additionally there was a checklist that all Artist’s need to consider, namely, general logistics, food and beverage, social media, website, coordinating visitors to the gallery.. and did I also mention...life in general.

Bottom line is that so much goes into building and then exhibiting a body of work that it is almost impossible to cover all aspects in one blog. Additionally, whilst the exhibition is still on, if you can, there is nothing like a visit in the flesh. Book your time this week to visit as it is the final week, book in day or evening via this link: BOOK HERE