'Epicormia' Gives a Sigh of Fire Relief

Tasman Gazette. By Gaye Wright.

Walking into the Long Gallery situated in Hobart's Salamanca Place, on opening night of the Epicormia Exhibition was to say the least a surprise, for the first time I felt that there was a true sense that the anger, sadness and loss that had engulfed the communities of Tasmania's South East since January 4, 2013 when an incomprehensible and relentless fire raised homes and scorched an landscapes bare had possibly begun to subside and as the definition of Epicormia implies has allowed new life from deep within to regenerate, transporting us back to some sort of pre-fire normality.

Approximately 350 artists, guests and members of the affected communities combined together to take in the first viewing of 'Epicormia' an exhibition of 41 Tasmanian artists from the bushfire affected areas - Murdunna, Dunalley, Copping, Connellys Marsh and Bream Creek many of them who have never exhibited before - as well as many celebrated Tasmanian artists. The exhibition began with a donation that was collected at the time of the fire by the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Guides - of the Long Gallery at the Salamanca Arts Centre.

Greetings, laughter and chatter filled the elongated space of the Long Gallery, seemingly transforming it into a positive space, with a party like atmosphere and even though some works would appear to be confronting I couldn't help but feel this was a turning point for many.

Deputy Mayor of the Tasman council, Roseanne Heyward has also shared her thoughts of the opening night. 

"On arrival at the Epicormia opening, I was amazed to see such a huge crowd of familiar faces from our communities, from Port Arthur to Dunalley and beyond, artists from our region had some wonderful pieces of art work on display. After talking to some artists and attendees at the Exhibition, I think the evening was not just an official opening of an 'Art exhibition' but a group of talented people with their friends who had survived a major fire event and created images of their memories of that event. It was a fantastic party and everyone was having a wonderful time. Justis Barrymore, curator of the event is to be congratulated along with Eve Howard and their amazing team of workers on bringing together such a great display of art works. A wonderful night."

Twelve months in the making, Justis Barrymore, a first time curator with links to the devastated area of Murdunna, should be rightfully proud of the Epicormia Exhibition, in bringing together the artists from the region to share their experiences and thoughts, positive outcomes and new adventures as he has allowed them to help heal their community. Congratulations to the artists themselves who have creatively and courageously recorded this inkspot on our local history.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and the Salamanca Arts Centre donated the space and support for the exhibition. All funds raised by the sale of the art work go directly to the artists with no commission being paid.