Creativity, Connection and Community in Perth Hills
Supporting local artists in the pursuit of their work is something we’re really passionate about at The Sound Temple. We believe it’s through creative expression that we come to know ourselves and each other more deeply and more authentically. Art connects us with others and so often reveals hidden aspects of ourselves, our struggles and the collectiveness of our human experience.
Something vibrant emerges from the soul when we see a sense of ourselves reflected back in artistic form. A resonance, connection and understanding bubbles up, an expression of our innate vulnerability, joy and pain, triumph, heartbreak, truth, beauty and a sharing of our collective stories. Creativity gives us a way to understand our lives and creates a sense of meaning to signify our existence. Our human mortality and transience in this life evokes an urgency to create, to leave our mark in the stream of existence that cries out, “I was here! This is me, my legacy, proof I have lived and breathed and THIS is my offering.”
We believe Art is a gift, that it is deeply significant and important. At The Sound Temple we fully support the blossoming of creative impulses in whatever way we can.
Our Gallery Space is just one of the ways in which The Sound Temple is supporting local and international artists. We launched the space in July 2017 with contemporary cultural artist Taryn Beri’s Solo Exhibition : Purapura Whetū. Filled to the brim with her original paintings, Taryn performed live poetry to the sounds of traditional Maori music and sound by Jerome Kavanagh. It was a spectacular evening filled with culture, colour, creativity and incredible sound.
Off the back of this success we invited local artist Lynnette McFarlane to display her remarkable collection, ten years in the making. Lynnette launched her exhibition in November last year. Her work was embraced by the local community resulting in yet another fully booked opening night which proves that people are craving this deep connection. She inspired many through her soulful discussions and descriptions of the artistic process and spiritual impulse behind her stunning artwork.
In January we launched ‘MĀORI MODERN’, exhibiting some of most cutting edge, fresh and contemporary artwork coming out of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Showcasing the work of a group of Indigenous Maori Artists from various tribes throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand, this event was hugely successful and the opening night fully booked out. Honoring land, Mother Earth, people, nature, art and music, this collection featured work from the following artists:
- Robyn Kahukiwa (Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngāti Porou)
- Darryl DLT Thomson (Ngāti Kahungunu)
- Miriama Grace-Smith (Ngāti Hau, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Porou)
- Pikihuia Haenga (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Porou)
- Komako Silver (Ngāti Pakahi)
- Isobel Joy Te Aho White (Ngai Tahu)
- Nerys Baker (Wales, Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne)
- Leon Hohepa (Ngai Tahu, Ngāti Whaoa, Ngapuhi)
- Jerome Kavanagh (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Raukawa)
- Taryn Beri (Ngāti Toa, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Raukawa
This Friday 23rd February, we open our Gallery Space once again, showcasing the exquisite original work of local artist, Sharon D Clifford. Her first solo exhibition in seventeen years, Colour Creating, will display her incredible and unique collection during a night of rich colour, creativity, food and musical accompaniment by the talented Kim Echammaal Coull.
Now becoming the Gallery of choice up in the Perth Hills, we’re delighted to have grown this space from humble beginnings to something really quite special. We’ve many more events planned for 2018, including a Mandala Exhibition in April, a Textile Art Installation in May and a stunning international Photography Collection mid-year. We’re committed to creating opportunities and spaces that support creativity and artistic endeavour within our community now and long into the future.
If you are interested in showcasing your work at our Galleries here in Perth Hills, please contact us at peace@thesoundtemple.com.au