Gates | Bobbie Jones Photography & Robyn Darling Images
Immaculate gates with decrepit home were amongst those that are run down but backed with “perfect” homes. There were gates that were decorated while others fell to pieces. New, old, open, closed, inviting, chilling, dangerous, and flat out forbidden. Bobbie Jones’ debut photography exhibition, Gates, was a wonderful reminder that we can find beauty and art in the seemingly mundane. Something most people use everyday can hold and tell stories of some of the highs and lows of our lives. Each gate incited one question: who has passed through these gates and why?
Bobbie Jones
After a beautiful drive into the countryside, I was greeted with a glass of Shiraz from the Butter Factory staff and a quick hello from Bobbie herself. While waiting for the exhibit to open, my ears were blessed by the calming sounds of a cellist and electric guitar musical duo. The choice of music was a quirky addition to an even quirkier venue.
I loved this exhibit. I was blown away by Bobbie’s intricate framing of an object that, while regularly used, rarely occupies my mind. These gates each told a story. What I found most peculiar was how certain gates were easier than others to imagine what that story might be. I was so engulfed by some gates, while my eyes fleeted by other gates. I found the open gates most intriguing, as though they were begging me to explore what lied beyond its threshold.
While viewing the exhibit I was approached by another patron. She asked if I, too, felt that some of the gates were talking to me as though they were from my past. She said that, for her, many of the gates were stirring up memories. One in particular—a long wirey fence with a barren and dusty outback farm—reminded her of cycling trips she had been on. She recalled stopping outside of a gate that was “just like” that one. Outside the gate, she set herself up to serve sandwiches to other cyclists. By the time other cyclists arrived, a herd of cows had slowly and silently approached and were observing her from behind the gate—a fond memory of such curious creatures. I could see the pure joy on her face as she proclaimed that she may need to take that photograph home with her.
Overall, I enjoyed a fabulous day out celebrating the grand opening of Gates, the debut photography exhibition from artist Bobbie Jones.
The Gates Exhibition is at Dayboro Butter Factory until October 30.
