Exhibition dates: 20 November – 2 December 10am – 3:30pm. 

Opening Event: Wednesday 21st November 7 pm for 7:30 pm start. 

Brisbane Secrets – a solo exhibition of Robyn Bauer’s work. 

The exhibition Brisbane Secrets uncovers hidden aspects of our river city. Small and intimate views of the streetscapes and lesser known nooks and crannies form the main focus of this exhibition. Some of the prominent landmarks are visible from unusual viewpoints. There are also larger works of sequestered areas revealed.

Following on from her 2016 exhibition Brisbane Stories, this show of new works digs deeper into the life of the city and uncovers another layer of response to the colours and shapes that are uniquely Brisbane.

Many of the works were painted en plein air and the artist commented that “the investment of time at particular locations allowed those locations to open up and reveal their secrets. More is divulged than a superficial snapshot view would allow.”

Read Robyn Bauer’s reflections on her preparation for Brisbane Secrets below:

The 100 Churches Project started out as a simple visual record of various local churches. It grew into a much more elaborate researched and documented project stretching to every corner of the urban environment. I was fascinated by how each building where people congregated, fit into its individual landscape, with its own topography, vegetation, light and weather effects, and the ambience of urban life and shared experience. I aimed for an honest record of how that location appeared on that particular day, rather than a picturesque depiction of its “best face”. The aim of this approach was to allow a more universal experience.

The Black and white ink drawings were also done on location in various parts of Brisbane. The cars, the overhead wires, signage and other street furniture were included to provide a response that has the integrity of immediacy and a recognisable accuracy, unsanitised and with a touch of humour.

I am a keen walker and most of my subject matter was discovered on foot, finding shady spots on which to perch and draw.

There are several paintings and drawings about the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. I chose unusual viewpoints of the waterlilies, the dome and the arid gardens to provide an immersive experience of this very special place. The sky and cloud reflections in the water reveal the quality of light that can only be Queensland.

I hope visitors to the exhibition enjoy sharing some of these Brisbane Secrets.