Two exhibitions to be unveiled

Launching the 2025 program, The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre will open two new exhibitions this week, kicking off a calendar of touring and collection exhibitions, events and creative experiences.

Two South Australian exhibitions, Guy Detot’s Mémoire d’un danseur and Country Arts touring exhibition HARBINGERS: Care or Catastrophe, will open on Friday, January 31, setting the tone for a year dedicated to inspiring artistic engagement and thought-provoking conversations.

Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre director Ashleigh Whatling said they were proud to offer our community a diverse range of exhibitions and events this year, beginning with these two remarkable shows.

“They invite reflection on our shared experiences and the possibilities for our future,” Ms Whatling said.

French-born artist Guy Detot, now based in Penola, presents a collection of wood sculptures in Mémoire d’un danseur. Drawing from his rich history as a ballet dancer in Europe and Australia, Detot transforms raw wood—including red gum, purple mulga, and black wattle—into striking pieces that celebrate famous dance duets he has performed.

“Each sculpture captures ephemeral moments of dance, connecting the personal with the universal qualities of the human condition,” Ms Whatling said.

HARBINGERS: Care or Catastrophe is a Country Arts SA touring exhibition, curated by Lauren Mustillo and Fulvia Mantelli, featuring works by five diverse South Australian artists: Chris De Rosa (Port Elliot), Lara Tilbrook (Kangaroo Island), Ellen Trevorrow (Meningie/Coorong), Clancy Warner (Sellicks Beach) and Laura Wills (Adelaide).

“The exhibition explores humanity’s interconnectedness with the natural world and interrogates pressing issues such as biodiversity loss, rising sea levels, resource management, and ongoing colonialism,” Ms Whatling said. “While reflecting on these challenges, the works also offer hope and pathways toward sustainable futures.”

To celebrate the launch of these exhibitions and the 2025 program, the Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre will host an opening event on Friday, January 31, from 6pm, featuring an exclusive dance performance by the acclaimed Lewis Major Dancers, with catering and bar available for guests.

“Copies of the 2025 program are now available online and at the gallery, library, tourist outlets and cafes, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the full year of planned exhibitions, workshops and cultural events so grab your copy and have a look at all we have on offer throughout this year,” Ms Whatling said.

Both exhibitions will be on view until Sunday, March 30, with The Riddoch open from 10am to 5pm weekdays and 10am to 2pm weekends and most public holidays. Entry is free.

RSVP for the exhibition opening and program launch is essential by email to [email protected] or phone (08)8721 2563.

For more information on the exhibitions and to access the 2025 program, visit www.theriddoch.com.au