Mother and son exhibit

The Pearl Beach General Store and Cafe will hold an art exhibition "Kinnane x 2" until Friday, October 17.

The exhibition showcases the work of two local artists, Pearl Beach resident Michelle Kinnane and her 31-year-old son Aaron Kinnane.

"The common themes that seem to be emerging in both our works are the exploration of the feminine which is the nurturing and creative parts of us," Ms Kinnane said.

"It's the strong, passionate, creative, earthy qualities and I think that's what Aaron celebrates as well.

"I think we're both looking at what that word 'feminine' means."

Marketing coordinator Ms Bridget Ninness said the community was able to come and enjoy the artwork of two local artists while enjoying the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere of Pearl Beach.

"The exhibition will feature a collection of Aaron's expressive and dynamic colourful oil paintings, conceived from the rise and fall of circadian rhythms," Ms Ninness said.

"This is juxtaposed with ethereal, enigmatic watercoloured dreamscapes that conjure energised, palpable images of mermaids who appear through the pools of colour - fantastical, whimsical creatures Aaron has brought to life over the years visiting his mother in Pearl Beach."

Ms Ninness said Ms Kinnane's work continues an ongoing fascination with themes from the collective and personal unconscious.

"Her works for this exhibition are evocative, densely textured mixed media works on found objects, paper, board and wood referencing and representing images of a pagan earth mother giving birth, the feminine sculptural form of the local angophoras and the transformative effects of the high priestess," Ms Ninness said.

Ms Kinnane said Pearl Beach was the perfect place to have the first exhibition of mother and son together.

"There is an obvious parallel between the feminine energy which is fluid and that of the sea and the mother pearl," Ms Kinnane said.

"The exhibition has brought to my awareness that we've both been working on the same theme without even realising it and it's just lovely to be working alongside my son in the studio and exhibiting together."

The cafe and exhibition are open Sunday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and Saturdays from 8am to 9pm.

Press release, 17 Sep 2008 Bridget Ninness, Pearl Beach General Store and Cafe