General News
23 May, 2025
Allegories — Nick Dridan’s solo exhibition
Amphitheatre local Nick Dridan has gone from strength to strength in his artistic career, with his newest exhibition a nostalgic return to Maryborough and the place he grew up.
Allegories — recent paintings by Nick Dridan is the Central Goldfields Art Gallery’s latest exhibition, and one that explores narrative through symbolism and familiarity.
Mr Dridan, who now lives in Amphitheatre in the Pyrenees grew up on a farm in the region and for the exhibition, draws on his memories and direct observation in his creative method.
This exhibition comprises paintings made specifically for this exhibition, along with other works and Mr Dridan said diving deeper and conveying a message from beyond the surface is an integral part of his work.
“I've always been drawn towards narrative, as I think most of us are. We are a story telling species and perhaps a part of us needs that,” he said.
“These works contain more symbols and allusions to universal ideas and themes, however I would hesitate to say explicitly what every motif or image means, because I think a lot of art making decisions stem from the subconscious, and the end results are best left as a bit of a mystery to not only the viewer but the artist as well.”
Represented by Australian Galleries Melbourne/Sydney and BMG Art Adelaide, this is Mr Dridan’s first solo exhibition at the Maryborough gallery — something he described as fitting.
A former Highview College student, it was in his time in art class that Mr Dridan felt a growing connection with art, attributing this as what started his passion.
“I spent many of my younger and teenage years going to school in Maryborough, so as a place it’s featured significantly in my life.
“And actually the first time I exhibited work after university was in a large group show at Central Goldfields Art Gallery in around 2013. I was invited to exhibit a couple of small works there.
“Then in 2016 I had a two person show there with artist friend Harley Manifold. So it’s nice to be coming back around 10 years later with some new works, a bit nostalgic in a way.”
Central Goldfields Shire mayor Grace La Vella said it is fascinating to see one artist expressing their vision using the different styles of watercolour, oil and acrylic painting.
“You can see our familiar landscapes in Nick Dridan’s work, but there’s also a sense of another world in how he brings it to us. There’s a strange beauty that he sees in the scenery, often with a story being told or a message being conveyed,” she said.
“This exhibition is the perfect Autumn artistic and social experience, highlighting the cultural richness of this part of Victoria and steeped in Nick’s imagery and colour.”
Cr La Vella will launch Mr Dridan’s exhibition this Saturday, May 24 at 2 pm, presenting an opportunity for residents to meet the artist, who will also speak at the opening. Refreshments are provided and this occasion promises to be an event not to be missed, with art works also for sale.
The exhibition is free to visit and will be on display at Central Goldfields Art Gallery until October 5, 2025.
Central Goldfields Art Gallery is in the Old Fire Station, 1 Neill Street, Maryborough and is open from Thursday to Sunday from
10 am to 4 pm.
For more information, visit www.centralgoldfieldsartgallery.com.au
