Original art and live music to collide at QVMAG

Images: Emily Sanzaro: Jade Austen, Tony Smibert: Carmencita Palermo

Renowned Tasmanian artist Tony Smibert will create an original work from start to finish, inspired by live music from Launceston harpist Emily Sanzaro, at the Queen Victoria Art Gallery at Royal Park this week.

The QVMAG's Live Painting to Live Music event will be held at the Art Gallery tomorrow from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

Throughout the event, Smibert will explain his close study of the 19th century British master, J.M.W. Turner, and his own journey as a Visiting Artist Researcher at the Tate Gallery in London.

Smibert will then share how the watercolour techniques of Turner, combined with his own practice of martial arts, have brought him to unique methods of working in watercolour and acrylics.

As part of the event, guests will experience the unveiling of 12 new watercolour works on display by Smibert, alongside the reveal of a temporary display within the exhibition showcasing an original work by 19th century artist J.M.W. Turner.

The watercolour work Cattewater, Plymouth by J.M.W. Turner will be on loan from the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts in Tasmania, marking the first time this work will be loaned out for display in Northern Tasmania.

Launceston Acting Mayor Danny Gibson said the event will be a wonderful experience to watch two Tasmanian artists in collaboration to create live art.

'It's brilliant to see artists come together through creative collaborations such as this,' Acting Mayor Gibson said.

'I would encourage everyone to explore the work of J.M.W. Turner while on display at the Art Gallery at Royal Park and to experience the creativity of one of the world's most renowned watercolour artists. It's truly something spectacular.'

QVMAG Senior Curator of Art and Design Ashley Bird said having the work of J.M.W. Turner on display within Tao Sublime: the art of Tony Smibert provided an incredible opportunity for Northern Tasmanian communities to see the art of a watercolour master in person.

'To see work from one of the greatest 19th century watercolourists in person is truly an experience in itself,' Bird said.

'Being able to share this work with our Northern Tasmanian community is incredible, as it provides another layer of insight into the art of Tony Smibert and the inspiration behind his career over the last 50 years.'

Tickets to Thursday's event are available via the QVMAG Eventbrite page until sold out.

Issued Wednesday 6 July 2022.