Local artist George Dorozenko was in great spirits as a crowd of friends, family and Friends of the Gallery gathered to commemorate the opening of the first solo exhibition in at the new Collie Art Gallery last Friday evening.
Ink ‘n’ Blink is a collection of works using bright, vibrant colours and large formats to pay homage to everyday mundane objects and scenes.
The exhibition was opened by Gallery Group Secretary and local art teacher Trudi Curran, who said she could see great genuineness and honesty in Dorozenko’s artwork.
“To find beauty, to admire shape, line, tone and balance whilst doing a late shift in the cold and rain at [an industrial site]; to look at puddles on cracked paving or concrete and find inspiration in the sterile industrial atmosphere, that is George,” said Mrs Curran. “He looks at things differently, as many artists do.”
“In contrast to Dorozenko’s previous exhibition held at the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries, we see the self portrait and the human figure emerge as George continues to develop his themes, ever encouraged by [his wife] Fran.”
“It seems fitting, then, that the first local artist to have work shown at the new Collie Art Gallery is one that is part of the community, part of the landscape and part of the history of this town,” said Mrs Curran.
“I have it on good authority that this is a record crowd for a local artist’s opening,” joked Mr Dorozenko, as he thanked Collie Camera Centre and Contempo Framing Studio for the printing and framing of his work, as well as those present for their encouragement and support.
Ink ‘n’ Blink is on show until 12 July 2015 at the Collie Art Gallery, 11am to 5pm, Thursdays to Mondays. Individual works and scarves printed with George’s imagery are available for sale. For more information, contact the gallery on 9734 2921.