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As part of an ongoing commitment to support young and emerging artists Shoalhaven Regional Gallery launched a new mentorship during the opening of the annual New Horizons exhibition of HSC artworks from schools in and around Nowra. All participants in the exhibition were invited to a mentoring meeting with celebrated artist, and Shoalhaven High graduate, Glenn Barkley. Barkley is one of the four artists recently announced to feature major new artworks throughout the $440 million Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment. He reached out to the Gallery and offered a professional mentorship for young people as he wanted to encourage those living in the Shoalhaven to believe that a career as an artist can be a rewarding option in life. The young artists were invited to talk about their works, ask questions and share ideas about life as an artist. Isabella Morphis was chosen by Glenn Barkley to develop an artwork for the Ngura Education Space as part of an ongoing mentorship over 2026 that aims to nurture and support new generations of artists.
Morphis exhibited six paintings of fibro houses around Nowra, including her own house, in the New Horizons exhibition. As she explained "My work explores the suburban landscape of Nowra through a series of painted portraits of fibro houses—humble, often-overlooked dwellings that line the street where I live. Using materials such as acrylic paint, pencil, and gold leaf, I aim to reframe these structures not as symbols of disadvantage, but as sites of personal history, resilience, and quiet beauty"
"The use of gold leaf—traditionally reserved for religious iconography—draws a deliberate parallel between sacred Renaissance artworks and the everyday sanctity of the Australian suburban home. The title, Madonna, evokes these spiritual associations, elevating the fibro cottage to an object of reverence and reflection. Fibro, a material frequently associated with low socio-economic status and outdated health concerns, becomes a central subject in my practice. Rather than hiding its associations, I celebrate them—highlighting how these homes reflect broader narratives in Australian cultural identity. Through this glorification, I challenge the persistent stereotypes that link fibro housing with poverty or neglect".
The Gallery is thrilled to support the work of young and emerging artists, and we look forward to seeing the work Morphis makes as part of this commission. This program will now form part of the New Horizons exhibition as a way to encourage young artists from the Shoalhaven to meet with professional mentors and develop their practice.
New Horizons has many wonderful works to explore and will be open until 14 March.
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