Lismore Rising to the challenge
Image: Gasping in the Dry Fabian Pertzel, 2021 Computer generated Inkjet print on paper
It takes more than a deluge to drown the spirits of the residents of Lismore. Barely a year ago, their town was devastated by floods, but the creative community has rallied, combining forces and talent to create an inspiring art exhibition.
Lismore Rising – Tougher Than Water brings together the works of 16 Lismore artists, ranging across mediums such as ceramics, sculpture, screen printed works, paintings, digital prints, mixed media works, collages, drawings, even a DIY ‘zine’ about going through the flood.
Some of the artworks were rescued from the flood waters after having been submerged in the murky depths or riding atop floating furniture. Other pieces were created later in response to the disaster. All the artworks carry a story of loss, resilience, defiance.
The collection is being transported some 900km to 107 Projects in Redfern. Local artist, Chris Lego organised and curated the exhibition, putting it together with minuscule funds and a lot of community gumption.
“It has been a deeply surreal year. Lots of chaos and change. But I look around this community and see the grit and tenacity of my artist friends and I want to share that with a broader audience. We are still here, and we are tougher than water,” says Lego.
“The last few weeks have been full of late nights and figuring out transport logistics, held together with duct tape and goodwill. Everyone in the show had studios and/or homes affected by the unprecedented flood which made headlines for weeks…Affected is a gentle word, destroyed is more apt.”
