In what can only be described as a spectacularly successful occasion, field launched the 2010 Rob McNamara Exhibition on Friday 27 August.

More than 200 artists, guests, staff and passers-by packed the Collingwood Gallery to see a mixed media interpretation of the question Beyond First Impressions: What changes if you get to know me?

Paintings, prints, jewellery and written works were amongst the collection, which was submitted by artists both with and without disability, and displayed without differentiation, in an event representing inclusion.

“It’s important to me to be seen as an artist first and to have my art taken seriously in the mainstream, not just in a disability context,” said artist Larissa MacFarlane, who was exhibiting this year for the third time. “This exhibition is about the art; it’s not about being segregated or pitied.”

A number of exhibitors attended the launch, including Shae Howie, whose family travelled from Horsham to be at the opening.  Shae's piece, an acrylic painting called Happy Butterflies, which has featured in several exhibitions, drew a lot of attention.  Shae said she was very happy to be able to display the piece again; it had been so admired in the past that a range of greeting cards has been adapted from its design*.

As in previous years, many of the pieces are for sale, with several snapped up on the night. 

And in what was a doubly notable occasion, this year's exhibition was named in honour of Rob McNamara AM, a man who field CEO Peter Roberts said embodied all the qualities that field stands for: growth, inclusion, fairness and creativity.

Rob's partner Cath McNamara and son Tim officially declared the exhibition opened.  Cath said the exhibition was all about being included in society; something that Rob epitomised.  She told of his creativity in bringing about change at the system level, recounting the time he organised the blockade of a film about disability, which had been screening in a non-accessible cinema!

Tim said he hoped his father's legacy encouraged the view that a career in disability could be rewarding and enjoyable.  He reflected that, as a support worker, it didn’t seem too hard going to the football on Saturdays to watch Collingwood play, "unless you were a Carlton supporter".

Honoured guest, Barbara Blackman, writer and artist's muse and former wife of the painter Charles Blackman, had flown from Canberra to attend the opening.  Her portrait A Tribute to Barbara by the Phoenix Park Community Centre Art Group features in the exhibition.

Copies of Rob's book Touching the Corners: An autobiography by Rob McNamara are available for purchase from the field website.

The exhibition runs until September 9 at the Collingwood Gallery, 292 Smith Street, Collingwood and entry is free. See above for opening times. 

*Shae’s greeting cards are available for purchase.  To find out how you can get more information email field@field.org.au

Galleries

View the 2009 Exhibition artworks

View the 2008 Exhibition artworks

Tim McNamara

Cath McNamara

Barbara Blackman

Exhibition guests

Exhibition guests

Peter Roberts