TONY “Harro” Harrington and his striking photographic art is not new to Mt Buller, but his vibrant new gallery in the village centre is a fresh presence this winter.
“Every challenge creates an opportunity and I think we all need art, nature and beauty perhaps more than ever at the moment,” Harrington said at the ‘soft’ opening on Queen’s Birthday weekend.
“People are going to be feeling so grateful to be alive, to be able to travel again and spend time up on the mountain in this beautiful place.
“I hope I can provide some special artworks that help take a little of that feeling to their home or holiday home.”
Harrington has curated some stunning exhibitions in recent years and the new gallery will enable a season-long display of a revolving collection of his work.
The photographs include a rich collection of Mt Buller landscapes, sweeping panoramas and some birds-eye view shots that ‘stitch’ together dozens of high quality images creating a wide view with impeccable detail and sharpness not usually seen.
“The big panoramas are deceptively complex pieces,” explains Harrington.
“These are not one photo blown up to large scale.
“In order to create images of this quality it takes multiple images precisely combined together to give that realistic view as your eye sees it – pin sharp and detailed.
“I work with one of the best studios in Australia to ensure the work is printed using museum grade papers and technology and it shows, especially in the popular large metallic face mounts.
“They leap off the wall.”
The gallery carves out a creative space for the Mt Buller village and when people are allowed to gather again it is set to be a place for the community to come together for films and talks.
“In Hawaii, where I spend time each year, there is a lovely tradition of ‘talk story’, which is how ideas are shared and community is created through sharing and listening," he said.
“I am excited to foster that tradition here where creativity can flourish, people can get stoked on ideas and art.”
All items are regionally connected and buyers can expect to find one-of-a kind items as well as a collection of gifts and mementos for those wishing to take a piece of Mt Buller with them.
The Gallery is not only packed with inspiring artworks, the fit out of the space itself is an artistic creation.
Reclaimed timbers and old skis are incorporated into the design of the space connecting this fresh new gallery with decades of Buller heritage and its alpine roots.
Harrington is also offering innovative installations of his work with customised splashbacks and pieces integrated into interiors, with a sample in The Gallery kitchenette.
The installation pieces he is creating for people’s homes are stunning.
The Gallery also showcases carefully curated local works from local artisans including fine ceramic art, paintings, jewellery and sculpture.
Included at The Gallery will be some of Wendy Jagger’s work, who is a well-known and award winning ceramics and alpine landscape artist.
