October 10, 2017

Academic’s artworks on show at Cyprus cultural exhibition

Creative works document findings of ancient Pafos Theatre archaeological excavation.

Six University of Wollongong (UOW) creative arts academics have their artworks on display in an exhibition combining art with archaeology for the Pafos European Capital of Culture, 2017, in Cyprus.

The exhibition: Travellers from Australia: artists in Pafos, curated by UOW Emeritus Professor, Diana Wood Conroy and Dr Craig Barker from the University of Sydney Museums, is on display until 15 October, 2017 at the Old Powerhouse Centre, Pafos.

The artworks are designed to evoke and marvel at the artistic and cultural lineage of the Pafos Hellenistic-Roman theatre. Built c. 300 BC, this ancient theatre in Pafos was destroyed by an earthquake in 365AD. The University of Sydney Pafos Theatre Project, under the auspices of the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus, has been excavating for over two decades, with the constant presence of artists from UOW.

The exhibition brings together highly-regarded artists and experienced archaeologists who have been directly involved in the theatre excavation. They include Associate Professor, Brogan Bunt (Media Arts) Dr Penny Harris (bronze sculptor), Associate Professor Derek Kreckler (sculptor, installation artist and photographer), Dr Jacky Redgate (sculptor and photographer) and Honours graduate Hannah Gee (animation) all from the Faculty of Law, Humanities and Arts. They join curator, Professor Diana Wood Conroy (artist, weaver and archaeologist) and participants from the Australian National University (Dr Rowan Conroy), Monash University (Angela Brennan) and UTS (Professor Lawrence Wallen).

The display features a compelling visual documentation of finds and architecture, as well as imaginative photography, animation, drawing, painting, ceramics, bronze sculpture, tapestry and sound. A virtual reality reconstruction of the theatre completes the experience.

The European Capital of Culture Pafos 2017 aims to bring people from all over the world together, through a year-long program of more than 150 projects and 300 activities related to cultural heritage and more broadly, human concerns and the future of Europe.

Artworks by Emeritus Professor, Diana Wood Conroy (top left), Associate Professor,Derek Kreckler (top right), Dr Penny Harris (bottom left), Professor Lawrence Wallen (UTS) (bottom right). Images supplied by Associate Professor, Brogan Bunt.

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