Kala Jarda and his wife Dianne with Kala’s mosaic depicting one of Australia’s bestloved and most well-known paintings, Tom Roberts’, Shearing the Rams.
Photo by
Ian Johnson
The latest exhibition at Corowa Art Space is a celebration and exploration of one of Australia's most revered artists, Tom Roberts (1856–1931).
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The exhibition coincides with the 170th anniversary of Roberts’ birthday and draws attention to his well-known historical links to our region.
As techniques and influence have passed down over time, most artists can trace some artistic ancestry leading back to Tom Roberts.
This collection pays homage to that artistic genealogy.
Photo by
Ian Johnson
The opening night last week featured an artist talk by Kala Jarda, the creative partnership of the Tunisian-born artist and his wife Dianne.
They shared the unique story behind their submission, a monumental glass mosaic rendition of Shearing the Rams, which bridges Jada’s heritage in rural Tunisia with his life in Australia.
He said he put two year’s work into creating his mosaic.
“This painting immediately takes me to my childhood,” he said.
“My father's family had a farm in the country and I lived with the sights, and the sounds, and the smells of the animals, and I immediately make that connection.
“All of those connections come together in this painting, I love it."
The talk explored how their obsession with Roberts' masterpiece led to a three-year journey involving several hundred thousand pieces of hand-cut glass and the development of the pioneering D&H Technique.
Having gained respect in international mosaic circles for this realistic "world’s first" method, the pair discussed their technical process and how Roberts’ legacy inspired a modern homage that transcends borders.
The exhibition is open now at Corowa Art Space, Corowa Civic Centre, 100 Edward Street.
"All Australian paintings are in some way a homage to Tom Roberts" - Arthur Boyd.
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