Barbara Nell: Paths to Presence Exhibition at Gallery 74, Southern Highlands NSW
- Robin
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
We're thrilled to announce our upcoming exhibition, Pathways to Presence, a powerful new body of work by contemporary landscape artist Barbara Nell.
Running from 4 June to 6 July 2026, this exhibition invites viewers on a visceral journey through Australia's untamed wilderness, exploring the delicate balance between the physical body and the raw power of nature.
Join Us for the Opening Reception Gallery 74 Southern Highlands
When: Saturday, 6 June at 2:00 PM
Where: At the Gallery 74 Highlands Hive 74 - 76 Hoddle Street Robertson NSW
What: Celebrate the launch, meet the artist, and enjoy an afternoon of art and conversation.
About the Exhibition: Navigating the Wild
Pathways to Presence is a direct response to the physical and emotional vertigo of standing in places where few people dare to go. For Barbara Nell, capturing these wild landscapes isn't just about recreating a view—it is about processing the breath-taking, sometimes overwhelming sensations of being there.
From the dizzying depths of Bungonia Gorge to the unpredictable, shifting terrains of Cradle Mountain, Nell’s large-scale works and intimate road drawings capture the duality of nature: its immense pleasure and its inherent discomfort.
"The pathways are the anchor, because without them, there is only the landscape which could consume me."— Barbara Nell
In these works, pathways, roads, and rushing rivers act as the viewer's lifeline, offering a way to move through and beyond the vast, all-consuming wilderness.
From Studio to Stream: The Plein Air Connection
A highlight of the exhibition features Nell's recent 'en plein air' (outdoor) studies along the Bombala River, capturing the immediate, vital energy of the environment.
If you find yourself inspired by Barbara's ability to translate the living landscape onto canvas, you can experience her process firsthand. To complement the exhibition, Barbara will be hosting an exclusive Plein Air Painting Workshop on Saturday, 27 June at the stunning Fitzroy Falls Reservoir, Southern Highlands.
This workshop is a rare opportunity to step into the framework of the exhibition itself—learning how to anchor your own emotional and physical responses to nature through paint. Spaces are strictly limited to ensure an intimate, guided experience. (You can read more about the workshop details and secure your spot in our previous blog post here https://www.gallery74.com.au/post/plein-air-with-barbara-nell).
Exhibition Details at a Glance
Event | Dates & Times |
Exhibition Runs | 4 June – 6 July |
Official Opening | Saturday, 6 June at 2:00 PM |
Artist Workshop | Saturday, 27 June (Fitzroy Falls Reservoir) |
Whether you are an avid hiker, a lover of expressive landscape art, or someone seeking a moment of deep contemplation, Pathways to Presence promises to be an unforgettable visual journey.
We look forward to welcoming you to the gallery this June!
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