River Effects: the waterways of Tasmania

^{Megan Perkins, Welcome Swallow & Argent Dam} 

Opening: 5.30pm Thursday 21 April
Artists: Raymond Arnold, Julie Gough, Leigh Hobba, Donald Lawrence, Geoff Parr, Kevin Perkins, Megan Perkins, Troy Ruffels, Marie Sierra, David Stephenson, Travis Tiddy, Martin Walch and Catherine Woo.
Curators: Malcom Bywaters & Prof Noel Frankham

This exhibition investigates the effects of the Tasmanian river system, its tributaries, lakes, harbours and beaches, on the people of Tasmania. The artists explore the concepts of the waterway culturally, politically and environmentally – as means of transport, sustainer of life, place for recreation and site of contestation. As carriers of histories, including major events in Tasmania such as the European settlements at Risdon Cove, Sullivans Cove and the Tamar River, struggles over Lake Pedder in the 1970s and the Gordon River in 1983, the Tasman Bridge collapse in 1974, and the Launceston floods of 1929, Tasmania’s waterways are at the centre of our society. The exhibition will consider how these significant events have impacted on Tasmania and contributed to our state identity. River Effects: The Waterways of Tasmania will comprise works by contemporary Tasmanian artists interested in the ways in which people engage with their environment.

River Effects: The Waterways of Tasmania is a project of the University of Tasmania’s School of Visual and Performing Arts, Launceston and the School of Art, Hobart.