Not at all easy to 'peep' at this exhibition
Reviewed at Joan's Pantry on 5 March 2019
Presented by Grace Cabot, Naomi Jellicoe and Rosanna Barson
This combined exhibition of art works by Grace Cabot, Naomi Jellicoe and Rosanna Barson in Joan’s Pantry was not at all what I was expecting. Yes, it does say in the Fringe Guide it is an exhibition of painting and photography but as the saying goes – a picture is worth a thousand words and the picture in the Guide bears absolutely no relation to the material in the exhibition.
Joan’s Pantry is a favourite café/restaurant close to busy Blackwood and next to some great open space and playgrounds. It’s a bustling place, with good food and should be a wonderful spot to enjoy a ‘visual peep show feast’ along with your meal, as recommended in the Guide. However, with the exception of Naomi Jellicoe’s photographs, unless you are extremely tall or are prepared to get up close and personal with other diners as you peer over their table, you won’t be able to appreciate the work of Rosanna Barson or Grace Cabot, respectively.
Grace Cabot is a milliner as well as an artist but her paintings here do not display the theatricality which she is known for in her hat designs. There are only two of her works here and they are poorly displayed, close to a corner of the room.
Rosanna Barson’s work is mounted far too high for viewers to be able to appreciate the colour and detail of some work, which is in stark contrast to the almost monochromatic, flat greys of other pieces.
Only Naomi Jellicoe’s photographs are displayed where one can see and appreciate them. They are all wonderful shots from in and around Adelaide and my favourite is Clowning Around with 3 clowns in a field.
Although wall space is limited, as this is a very small exhibition I would have expected it to be displayed with more thought given to how the art works would be viewed by visitors.
Reviewed by Jan Kershaw
Venue: Dining Room at Joan’s Pantry 7 Watahuna Avenue, Hawthorndene
Season: 5-17 March
Duration: Exhibition open
Tickets: Free
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