Symphonic Trees: Fan Dongwang

Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub

4 April – 25 May 2025

Image Fan Dongwang Eucalyptus 2022, acrylic on canvas

Fan Dongwang’s exhibition explores the notion of painting and drawing the ubiquitous Australian gum trees through the techniques of Chinese painting, calligraphy and Western abstract art. It is a visual melody of the important role played by the trees in our environment.

Humble, resilient and iconic, the Australian gum tree has been drowned under roiling floods, consumed in flames, fallen to the buzz of the miller's saw and slowly choked with thirst. Yet each year it endures. The trees spread back across the land, from scorching deserts to desolate mountains.

If you look closely, at Dongwang’s works, these trees become living things akin to human beings: their solemn trunks dance in the wind, their magnificent bodies transforming into awe inspiring human torsos.

OFFICIAL OPENING:

Thursday 3 April 2025, 6pm

GUEST SPEAKER: 

Paul Howard, Curator and Collection Manager, Blacktown Arts

RSVP:

MONDAY 24 March 2025

Bookings are required for the opening for catering purposes

exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au

EXHIBITION

4 April – 25 May 2025

Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub

  Q&A Fan Dongwang(PDF, 123KB)
Exhibition Overview(PDF, 176KB)

Chasing Light: a photographic journey

At its heart, photography is a dance with light—a delicate act of capturing its fleeting essence to preserve moments forever. Without light, there are no images, no moments, no memories. The essence of Chasing Light therefore lies in this pursuit of capturing the interplay of light and shadow to evoke powerful storytelling.

Chasing Light is a contemporary exhibition showcasing the works of fifteen talented photographers from the Inner West Photographic Society (IWPS). Exhibiting artists include Luca Altamore, Ron Bullions, Simon Butcher, Klaus Clemens, Ashley Cooper, Harsha Gautam, Colleen Harris, Amanda Hitchens, Ben Knight, Justin Martin, Brigid Reid, Clair Reynolds, Penelope Robertshawe, Sharon Wiley and Maggs Wilson.

Exhibition

Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub

6 December 2024 - 2 March 2025

Official Opening

Thursday 5 December 2024, 6pm

GUEST SPEAKER

Len Metcalf, Director of Len's School - professional photographic educator, exhibiting artist and photographic adventure tour guide.

RSVP:

By Monday 28 November 2024

Bookings are required for the opening for catering purposes, email exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au

Take a virtual tour of the exhibition

Watch now: Exhibition Tour of Chasing Light: A Photographic Journey | Ironbark Gallery

Exhibition Overview(PDF, 171KB)

Media Release(PDF, 124KB)

Please email exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au for more information.

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Applications for 2025 have now closed. Applications to exhibit in 2026 will open in October 2025.  Those considering applying are encouraged to refer to past exhibiting artist, Marina Mavritsky’s application as an example of a succinct and considered application(PDF, 2MB).  All applicants are evaluated by a selection committee and based on the written application and supporting material provided.

Questions or comments? Please email renee.porter@strathfield.nsw.gov.au

All applicants should read the Community Art Space Program Scope and Conditions.pdf(PDF, 197KB)

Applications are not currently being taken. Keep an eye out for our applications acceptance dates.