Virtual reality installation transports Central Goldfields Gallery visitors to different realms

Central Goldfields Art Gallery's latest exhibition - Terminus: Jess Johnson & Simon Ward -  provides five virtual reality experiences that each last about five minutes taking viewers on a journey into different realms inspired by Sci-Fi, comics and fantasy movies.

Terminus: Jess Johnson & Simon Ward is a virtual reality installation that transports the viewer into an imaginary landscape of colour and pattern populated by human clones, moving walkways and gateways to new realms.

With their pioneering use of virtual reality, artists Jess Johnson and Simon Ward hold a unique position among contemporary art practitioners.

Johnson's drawings are transformed from analogue into digital and from solo practice into cross-disciplinary collaboration, forming the basis of this virtual experience.

The exhibition has been animated by Ward and the result is Terminus: a mysterious universe of alien architecture populated by humanoid clones and cryptic symbols, explored via a network of travellators and gateways.

The exhibition will be opened by Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Grace La Vella this Saturday, 26th August at 2.30pm.

Mayor La Vella said their community was fortunate to have opportunities like this to appreciate and learn about the future of virtual reality art and added "this exhibition will offer a unique educational experience for young people with the opportunity to delve deeper into this art form through the National Gallery learning resources."

Central Goldfields Art Gallery Coordinator Helen Kaptein said the Gallery is the one lucky public art gallery in Central Victoria where visitors can experience the exhibition.

"It is the first time an exhibition from the National Gallery has been presented at Central Goldfields Art Gallery and we are proud to work with the National Gallery in bringing this exhibition to the people of Central Victoria and visitors to our region.

"Terminus provides five virtual reality experiences that each last about five minutes and will take the viewer on a journey into different realms. It's exciting to be presenting work by leading VR artists Jess Johnson and Simon Ward and to immerse ourselves and our visitors in this fast-growing field of digital artwork. Be prepared to be transported!"

The Associate Curator of Australian Art at the National Gallery - Simeran Maxwell will attend the opening and says the National Gallery is excited to bring the Terminus touring exhibition to the Central Goldfields region.

"On tour since 2019, this immersive exhibition has been to 10 other regional galleries across the country and proven to be a hit on the road with audiences of all ages. Through Terminus, artists Jess Johnson and Simon Ward have created an exciting and engaging contemporary art experience for everyone to enjoy."

Simeran will travel to Maryborough from Canberra to provide a fascinating and free talk about the exhibition at 1.30pm on Saturday 26th August as well as speaking at the official opening at 2.30pm where everyone is invited to attend.

Terminus: Jess Johnson & Simon Ward is a National Gallery Touring Exhibition supported by Visions of Australia and the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program. Terminus was commissioned with the assistance of The Balnaves Foundation.

The exhibition is supported by education resources from the National Gallery to encourage engagement with schools.

This exhibition will be on display until 5th November 2023.

Central Goldfields Art Gallery is in the Old Fire Station, 1 Neill Street, Maryborough. The Gallery is open from Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, and entry is free.

For more information, visit www.centralgoldfieldsartgallery.com.au