11 September 2018

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery will be the first to exhibit multimedia artist, Marion Conrow’s surreal visual collection of works, titled ‘Museum of My Friends #1’.
Ms Conrow has been developing her practice for over 30 years and has been a part of the Northern Rivers arts community for some time.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley said ‘Museum of My Friends #1’ is a multimedia, sculptural and holographic light installation of self-portraits.
“The exhibition features video portraitures in playful and ghostly holographic environments, representing Ms Conrow’s friends and their universes,” Ms Mackley said.
Art has been a release, therapy and a reflection of her journey and recovery after Ms Conrow was diagnosed with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI), following a severe car accident in 2007.
Ms Conrow is a regional artist who has a passion for bringing the arts to country communities and inspiring budding artists.
With Gunnedah already boasting a vibrant arts community, Ms Conrow said it was the parallels between her Lismore home and Gunnedah that encouraged her to exhibit here.
“I am recovering from the Lismore floods and when I come to Gunnedah I see the hardship of the drought,” she said.
“I want to advocate not only about MTBI, but about the cultural importance of regional areas.”
Ms Mackley said the exhibition is unlike anything the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery has ever hosted, and will be a visual delight for everyone who comes to see it.
“There will be photographic, still and visual video media projections on sculptures. Anyone interested in multi and digital media will be fascinated by the way Ms Conrow has created her art work, and can even get a chance to learn from her,” Ms Mackley said.
“Participants will gain professional knowledge about visual media, video projections and projection art installations by using their own cameras and phones.”
Workshops with Marion Conrow will be held on 27 and 28 October for people to learn to create their own video installations by shooting videos and stills using VJ software to make a collaborative video. The workshop is $80 per day and bookings can be made by contacting Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.
Marion Conrow's exhibition ‘Museum of My Friends #1’ officially opens at 6.00pm on Friday, 26 October at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery. Drinks and light refreshments provided. The exhibition continues until 26 November, 2018.
‘Museum of My Friends #1’ has been made possible through funding from the Australia Council for the Arts, Create NSW and Accessible Arts.

Photo Caption: Marion Conrow’s exhibition ‘Museum of My Friends #1’ will help raise awareness about people living with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.