Four new exhibitions set to be unveiled

DISCOVER a season of bold ideas and creative expression at the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre this winter. From 20 June to 16 August 2026, four exhibitions will transform the galleries including Two Laws One Big Spirit by Peter Adsett and Rusty Peters, My Cuzzy Nate and the 654 Club by Damien Shen, Speak Up! by Thumbprint Collective and 50 Years of Deadly NAIDOC Posters.

Bringing together both nationally and locally significant artists, the program explores connection, identity, history and creative exchange across generations and cultures. Through this dynamic offering of curated exhibitions, the Riddoch aims to connect residents and visitors to the Limestone Coast with powerful contemporary art to entertain, enlighten and challenge.

Two Laws One Big Spirit features a monumental painting collaboration between Gija artist Rusty Peters from the Kimberley region in Western Australia, and renowned Aotearoa, New Zealand-born painter Peter Adsett. The pair met at Crocodile Hole, East Kimberley and took the initiative to embark on what became an extraordinary cultural project.

Damien Shen’s My Cuzzy Nate and the 654 Club is both a playful and pointed set of works that combines a moving image card trick performance with a sequence of 52 intricately hand-etched tintype photographs based on playing card.

Meanwhile, local artists Thumbprint Collective respond to significant prints by South Australian artists Ann Newmarch and Babara Hanrahan from the Riddoch Art Collection. While upstairs in Kings Floor 50 Years of Deadly – NAIDOC Posters 1972 – 2026 celebrates 50 years of NAIDOC, displaying the annual poster artwork throughout the poster competition’s history.

Riddoch Curator Chris Clements says the four exhibitions invite audiences to explore big ideas through intimate, personal stories.

“Our season of exhibitions at the Riddoch this winter all have big stories to tell about our shared histories and our ability to connect through visual art. This is a suite of exhibitions that acknowledges 50 years of NAIDOC and is a must see for lovers of art and culture,” Mr Clements said.

The public is invited to attend the opening of the exhibitions on Friday 19 June 2026 at 6:00pm with doors opening at 5:30pm. To RSVP for the opening, visit mountgambier.bookable.net.au or phone the Riddoch on (08) 8721 2563.

On Saturday 20 June 2026 the Riddoch will host a double header ‘In Conversation’ event with artist Peter Adsett and Art Gallery of South Australia Assistant Director Artistic and Collection Programs Tansy Curtin discussing the exhibition Two Laws One Big Spirit. Followed by artist Damien Shen discussing his exhibition My Cuzzy Nate and the 654 Club with exhibition curator and Director of Adelaide Central Gallery Andrew Purvis. These conversations, facilitated by Riddoch Curator Chris Clements, are free to attend and provide a rare opportunity to listen to artists and curators give a deeper insight into the practice and the personal narratives that inform the work.

All four exhibitions are on display until 16 August 2026. The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre is open 10:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday and 10:00am to 2:00pm weekends and public holidays. Entry is free. For more information about this exhibition or upcoming exhibitions and public programs visit the Riddoch website at www.theriddoch.com.au