On display from Saturday 12 October, Ballarat’s beloved music scene will be celebrated in the highly anticipated exhibition Medieval to Metal: The Art & Evolution of the Guitar, at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
Exclusive to the Art Gallery of Ballarat, this epic exhibition features 40 rare guitars on loan from the National Guitar Museum (USA) alongside works by the rock stars of the art world including Picasso, Renoir, Manet and more.
Explore the design of the guitar through the ages from original ouds, theorbos and paintings and prints to vibrant gig posters, classic album covers and rock photography; each work depicting the most popular instrument on the planet from its Medieval beginnings to its pivotal role in blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll music.
Guitar expert and National Guitar Museum Founder, HP Newquist, said it was an honour to be bringing such a rare collection to Australian guitar enthusiasts and music lovers. “On its surface, Medieval To Metal explores the history of the guitar, alongside the art and imagination that goes into designing guitars,” said Newquist.
“Unlike other instruments the guitar can be made in different shapes and sizes, using different materials and colour palettes. In artistic terms, this makes the guitar a tremendous canvas upon which builders can explore their own interpretations of the instrument beyond its musical function.”
“In this exhibition the guitar is presented as a work of art and is displayed alongside exquisite works depicting the instrument throughout art history. Visitors will see guitars they have never seen before, including instruments constructed of acrylic, gold leaf, and carbon fibre, from companies as legendary as Gibson and Fender, to handmade guitars from luthiers all over the world. This is an exhibition like no other.” said Newquist.
“Medieval to Metal celebrates the guitar in its many forms and its journey through art and music. For the guitar heroes, this exhibition dives deep into the stories, the structure, the design, the creation of the most beloved instrument on the planet,” said Art Gallery of Ballarat Director and Medieval to Metal exhibition curator, Louise Tegart.
“For the art and music lovers, Medieval to Metal explores the world’s fascination with music and art, connecting the dots between design, function and performance. Ballarat is a city with a longstanding live music scene, a streetscape filled with hidden recording studios, venues, record stores, musicians and most of all, a love of music,” said Tegart.
As part of the Medieval to Metal exhibition program Art Gallery of Ballarat will become the venue for a series of events including:
ART LATE:
Live music events featuring Rose City Band (USA) on 19 October, RVG on 2 November, and CIVIC on 30 November.
ART CLASSICS:
Celebrating music’s Medieval origins. Expect to see a dynamic display of classical performances, from an internationally acclaimed lutenist, to classically reimagined takes on Australian rock icons Cold Chisel.
ART TALKS:
A program brings a range of music-loving experts to Ballarat. Go behind the scenes to chart the success of rock ‘n’ roll stars, listen to intimate conversations that hit unexpected notes and enhance your understanding of the guitar’s endless dance through art history and popular culture.
Medieval to Metal: The Art & Evolution of the Guitar
Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
Exhibition: 12 October 2024 – 2 February 2025
Entry fees apply
For more information, visit: www.artgalleryofballarat.com.au for details.
Images: Oud, origin: 3000 BC, design unknown, luthier unknown – courtesy of The National GUITAR Museum | CraViola, 1969, design by Paulinho Nogueira, manufactured by Giannini – courtesy of The National GUITAR Museum | Stratocaster, 1954, design by Leo Fender, Freddie Tavares, et al, manufactured by Fender Musical Instruments – courtesy of The National GUITAR Museum | Tony Mott, Johnny Cash, 1991 – photograph courtesy the artist