Since 1997 Peter Syndicas’ sculptures have been inspired by his fascination with organic shapes in their simplest forms – fractals of nature. Twigs – fragile, precious, shaped by the elements. Delicately carved, the revealed forms are translated on a magnified scale and immortalised in bronze, steel or stone – a stark contrast to their fragile nature.

“I search specifically for twigs that portray a human figure as it gives each sculpture of mine a unique duality,” Peter says.

“On the one hand they are magnified reproductions of fragile twigs, while at the same time they display these very expressive abstract human forms… I love that my sculptures allow people to see fragments of plant life, as works of art”

Opening tonight at Hill Smith Gallery, Metamorphosis of Being continues the artist’s fascination, featuring sculptures which reflect the human figure viewed in organic forms that have transformed over time.

Also opening at Hill Smith Gallery tonight is Melinda Schawel’s Summertime in the Mountains.

Inspired by the artist’s recent experience hiking the remote 53km Milford Track in the South Island of New Zealand, Summertime in the Mountains emphasises the physicality of the creative process while paying homage to the awe-inspiring power of nature.

The brooding yet vibrant palette conjures the verdant lushness of the Fiordland’s ancient rainforests, a magical, tactile place draped in moss and lichen, flax and ferns.

Both exhibitions open tonight, Thursday, 27 June, at 5pm, and the gallery invites you to come along and share in a celebratory drink with the artists.