Uncovered is an investigative project undertaken by Tilly Lees during her residency at Gallery Lane Cove from 2019-2020.
During her residency, Tilly endeavoured to uncover the essence of Lane Cove and to bring into the light what has been hidden.
Tilly asked the residents via purpose built letterboxes to share the happy, the sad, the intimate, the shocking, the joyful, and the secret.
Over the course of the year, she received over 250 responses from which she developed a new series of text-based artwork which will be on display from 29 July 2020.
We wanted to find out why Tilly wanted to be involved in the Lane Cove Community and discover our secrets!! We asked Tilly a few questions.
Why Did You Apply for a Gallery Lane Cove Residency?
I have been involved in artist studios in Newtown and Rozelle. I applied for the Artist Residency in Lane Cove in because of Gallery Lane Cove’s wonderful facilities. A studio, access to printmaking and ceramic facilities and a solo exhibition at the end of my tenure. Plus easy access to great cafes!
What Prompted You to Start the Uncovered Project?
Because I have not lived in Lane Cove, I wanted to get to know the character of the locals.
I started with drawing people I know who live or have lived in Lane Cove, but I wanted to know more.
I wanted to uncover Lane Cove’s secrets and needed to find a way for people to open up.
Knowing that we all find it hard to tell our secrets I made letterboxes so everyone could be anonymous.
The letterboxes were left all over locations in Lane Cove. They were located at the Lane Cove Library, Gallery Lane Cove, The Lane Cove Early Childhood Centre, the Men’s shed, Lane Cove Physio, the Diddy, the Alcott, two nursing homes, Sydney Community Services and more. I also attended community events such as the Lane Cove Village Rotary Fair with the letterboxes.
Did Any of the Secrets Shock You?
There were three messages about suicide and one about domestic violence.
What Was the Funniest Secret?
No laugh out loud funny ones, some silly ones “I think Brussel sprouts do flips in the fridge” or joyful ones “OMG. I had my first kiss”
Did a Theme Emerge?
Two major themes came through, one of love and relationships and the other of remorse and regret.
Exhibition Opens 29 July 2020
Uncovered by Tilly Lees opens on 29 July and continues to 21st August 2020. There is an Open Day on Saturday 1st August 2020 between 10.00 am and 4 pm. Come and speak to Tilly and find out more about her project.
On Saturday 8th August 2020 there will be an In Conversation between Tilly and Gallery Lane Cove Art Director Rachael Kiang. This In Conversation will be live streamed on Gallery Lane Cove’s Instagram Page. More details here.
This exhibition will be running in conjunction with Sirens of Gunnedah. More information on this exhibition here.
Gallery Lane Cove Contact Details
Address: 164 Longueville Road NSW (opposite the Library)
Phone: 9428 4898
Website: www.gallerylanecove.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @gallerylanecove
In the Cove Local News – Get in Every Wednesday!!
To make sure you don’t miss Lane Cove info sign up to our newsletter. It comes out every Wednesday at 7.30 pm and includes a wrap up of everything posted on our Facebook site in the previous week.
Did you know that In the Cove has an Instagram page? Yes, we do, and we feature pictures from our roving reporters and our ITC team that do not appear on our Facebook page. Follow us on @inthecove
