‘Natalya Hughes: The Castle of Tarragindi’, Children’s Art Centre, Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, September 2023 / Photograph: C Callistemon/© QAGOMA

Children and families can take part in a range of fun art-making activities by contemporary Australian artist Natalya Hughes when ‘The Castle of Tarragindi on Tour’ comes to the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery on 16 & 18 January.

Developed in collaboration with the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), ‘The Castle of Tarragindi on Tour’ invites audiences to create their own digital hybrid creature, decorate and assemble a 3D object, make elaborate patterns using printed paper, and take part in self-portrait drawing activities.

Hughes creates paintings, textiles, sculptures and installations informed by decorative and ornamental traditions. In ‘The Castle of Tarragindi’, the artist has chosen to explore ‘grotesque’ design, a specific tradition of ornament known for its hybridity.

‘The Castle of Tarragindi on Tour’ features a striking blue and white palette inspired by a grotesque castle interior by French designer, architect, and engraver Jean Bérain (1640–1711). Hughes has also included imagery of things that are important to her in the activity materials – such as the Australian flora and fauna found close to her home in the Brisbane suburb of Tarragindi. As part of the project, children will be able to view an introductory video where Hughes shares her thoughts on the inspiration and concepts behind ’The Castle of Tarragindi’.

FREE. RSVP by phoning the gallery on 4681 3991 or email rsvp@srag.org.au.