The first formal art installation at Bundaberg Multiplex Sport and Convention Centre shines a spotlight on local artist Jassy Watson, showcasing her work in the centre’s foyer space.
Two large scale murals and four smaller reproductions of Jassy’s paintings fill the foyer with colourful visions of Bundaberg.
Jassy said it meant a lot to her to have the opportunity to display her work in the popular public building.
“As an artist, to be honoured and recognised in your hometown and in your own community for all the hard work that you’ve put in as an artist over the years, I just feel really honoured,” Jassy said.
“It’s quite hard for us sometimes to find a bigger market or bigger acknowledgment.
“As the first artist to exhibit in an installation like this [at the Multiplex] in Bundaberg, it not only means a lot for me and for the opportunity for myself, but for other artists as well, that there are these opportunities that exist for regional artists.”
Bundaberg Regional Council’s Arts and Heritage portfolio spokesperson Councillor John Learmonth said the project aimed to provide another platform for local artists.
“This new Council initiative will see Jassy’s artwork displayed in the Multiplex foyer for a number of years before being renewed with another local artist,” Cr Learmonth said.
“The Multiplex is such a well-attended space with conferences and events, it presents a whole new type of audience for artists, outside of our Gallery visitors.
“This is an extension of the wonderful opportunities Council has been able to facilitate for local artists in our art gallery exhibition spaces in Bundaberg and Childers.”
Jassy said the artworks, reproduced from her original paintings, were inspired by her explorations in the Bundaberg Region.
“The works that people will see in the Multiplex, include…part of a series that was really celebrating the beauty of the ever-changing landscape of Bundaberg,” she said.
“I invested a lot of time and a lot of passion and a lot of moments in the studio and a lot of moments actually exploring Bundaberg and looking at everything.
“Observing everything so closely, that made me fall in love with the region, it makes you fall in love with it all over again.
“It’s really so inspiring.”
Jassy’s artworks can be viewed in the Multiplex foyer during the centre’s opening hours.
