When an unknown painter sat down in the English countryside in a time long forgotten, little did they know their work would end up in a gallery halfway across the world.
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The work 'English Landscape' by unknown and painted at an unknown date, is one of several key attractions at the 2021 Goulburn Bustle.
The annual event is curated and held by the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery and invites visitors to immerse themselves in an assortment of works, both local and global.
It's a space where time seemingly stops. The noise and confusion of the street instantly fades away as you step into the cool, still gallery.
After gaining reprieve from the glaring sun or pouring rain (depending on the hour), visitors' attention is instantly drawn to 'English Landscape' to their left.
It's a small work but far from insignificant. Acquired as part of the Moffat Bequest in 1956, the undated work has undergone restoration specially for the Bustle.
Education Officer and tour guide Sally O'Neill said its classical feel complemented the more modern work surrounding it.
"It had fallen into disrepair so it went to Sydney for a few months and International Conservation Services has done a marvellous job in repairing the damage that had been done over time," she said.
"Nothing bad had happened to the work, these things just don't last forever.
"We thought it was such an amazing spot for this particular work because it's had that tender love and care as well as being surrounded by some incredible contemporary works."
After getting up close and personal, viewers will need to zoom out for the next work by Towrang artist Cherry Hood.
Winner of the 2002 Archibald Prize, Hood's work 'Looking for Sam' is a haunting portrait of a lost child in the bush.
"I've never seen this one in the gallery so it could well be the first time it's been shown since 2006," O'Neill told the Post.
"It's very emotive, people tend to have quite a strong reaction to this work. Her work often features larger than life scale children, often crying."
Interspersed among the works are reminders of the gallery's space on the continent. Incredibly detailed photos of Lake George stitched together by Rowan Conroy are particularly striking and will make locals feel at home.
One piece acquired by the gallery has a particular pride of place among staff. 'Wanampi Tjukurpa' by Amata artist Sharon Adamson is an explosion of colour, taking up an entire surface as it details the Rainbow Serpent's creation of waterways.
O'Neill explained the gallery was lucky to have obtained the work by one of the most promising young Aboriginal artists.
"This work has featured in our Exhibition of the Sun in early 2020 which was the first show we had after we had our spaces renovated and we ended up purchasing this beautiful work. It's inspired by the story of the Rainbow Serpent who created all the waterways and river systems of Australia," she explained.
"She's quite a young artist so it's great that we've been able to make this acquisition at such an incredible time in her career.
"This is from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) region and artists from that region tend to use very pigmented, polymer and acrylic paint. It is quite bright, the work from that region, and very large."
Admission for Goulburn Bustle is free. Head to the gallery website for more information, including COVID rules.
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