Tasmanian Love Stories combines art with true tales of love and passion

From an old family heirloom, to a hidden mountain hideaway, to a beach known as ‘the centre of the universe’; from a lost cow and a flower farm, to the mystery of Tasmania’s ‘most beautiful’ woman – these and other true tales of love and passion have been captured in the art exhibition “Tasmanian Love Stories: True loves and passions from Tasmania’s history”, showing at the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts Gallery (in the Hobart library) until the end of February 2015.

A group of nine local artists have explored elements of local heritage from the past 200 years, using a variety of printmaking techniques to tell the stories of their research.

The artists are: Josefa Abrahams, Nicky Adams, Elizabeth Archer, Anna Berger, Jenny Blake, Barbara Boyle, Janet Freestun, Cecily Lazenby and Rebecca Wood.

Together the artworks reveal colourful aspects of Tasmania’s history. References to early industries sit beside images of natural heritage, including endemic flowers, wildlife and responses to the environment. Other works speak of social heritage, from original Aboriginal inhabitants through to notable or notorious local characters, major events that shaped the community, and the adventures and passions of common Tasmanians.

Old newspapers, diaries, letters and history books were all consulted, and some artists were inspired by their own ancestry, and by interviews with descendants of original families.

To complement the artworks, the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts has obtained some unique items on loan from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, including delightful examples of late 19th century Valentines cards from the famous Sticht family on Tasmania’s west coast, and a “Convict Love Token” – a coin engraved by a convict with a message of love for family members left behind.

Each artwork comes with a short story, linking the image to the tale of passion unearthed. “We want Tasmanian Love Stories to appeal to everyone, from those who love art, stories and local history to those interested in themes of love and passion,” said contributing artist Rebecca Wood.

“Tasmania’s past is so rich. We hope our exhibition offers a new, creative way to experience some fascinating new stories.”

Tasmanian Love Stories opens Thursday 11 December at 5pm at the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts Gallery (LINC [library], 91 Murray St, Hobart), and is showing until the end of February 2015.

Entry is free.
Bec Donaldson, Contributing artist (artist name “Rebecca Wood”)