THREE blockbuster exhibitions – including a mesmerising installation from an international art collective, surreal sculptures and mind-bending video – are heading to Coffs Harbour.
The suite of winter showstoppers at the City of Coffs Harbour’s Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) will add another golden layer to the gallery’s growing reputation as a venue which showcases art on the edge.
The line-up includes “Flowers and People − A Whole Year per Hour” by global art collective teamLab – the first time it has exhibited in regional Australia.
“‘Flowers and People − A Whole Year per Hour’ will be an interactive video installation and everyone who comes to see it at YAM will receive a mind-blowing and unique experience,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“If you stand still in front of the big screen the flowers will grow abundantly and bloom but if you move about the petals will scatter.
“These sorts of exhibitions are helping to forge a name for YAM in the art world and with the general public, coming on the back of Sea Monsters and Modern Guru and the Path to Artificial Happiness.”
Flowers and People − A Whole Year per Hour will be on exhibition in Gallery 2, while another fresh arrival at Yarrila Place will be “Interconnected Entities”.
This exhibition brings together two of Australia’s leading artists.
Patricia Piccinini melds human form to those of animals, while Caroline Rothwell explores the relationships between humans and plants.
“Piccinini’s surreal hybrid creations have been likened by some to Frankenstein in concept, however these beautifully grotesque creatures foster a sense of nurturing and optimism,” City Cultural Services Team Leader Carrie Kibbler said.
“Her works will beautifully complement the exquisite pieces by Rothwell in which plants morph together or with industrial forms to create hybrid identities.”
The final piece of the 2025 winter exhibitions is “Shadows Make the Light Shine Brighter” by celebrated Australian artist Juz Kitson.
“This is a ceramic and video installation which reimagines ancient Roman and Greek funeral urns and female figurines,” Ms Kibbler said.
“Meticulously crafted through intricate hand-building and slip casting, Kitson’s ceramic works are brought to life in a mind-bending video work created with Ben Trahair using 3D animation that questions nature’s cycles of metamorphosis.”
The exhibitions will be on display at YAM from Saturday 14 June through to 24 August and admission is free.
“We anticipate Flowers and People – A Whole Year Per Hour will bring new audiences to YAM. Visitors can chill out on beanbags or move in the space to engage with the video and experience this immersive and highly photogenic installation,” Ms Kibbler said.
Artists Piccinini, Rothwell and Kitson along with a representative from teamLab will give talks on the opening day from 4pm. The YAM Bar will open from 5pm for drinks to purchase along with food and a DJ.
Visit the City of Coffs Harbour website for more information.
