Opening on Friday 20 June at 6:00pm, Almost Here, Almost Now is a new exhibition that draws on the collections of both The Riddoch and the National Gallery of Australia. On view from Saturday 21 June to Sunday 24 August 2025, the exhibition brings together major works by Australian artists to explore questions of identity, belonging, and our evolving relationship with land and sky.
“The Riddoch is delighted to collaborate with the National Gallery of Australia’s Regional Initiatives Program to bring this exhibition to life, recognising the national significance of our own collection alongside works from the NGA. We are proud to present an original exhibition that celebrates and explores both publicly-owned collections in a fresh and exciting context,” Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre Director Ashleigh Whatling said.
Spanning generations and artistic practices - from ancient to contemporary, and imagined futures - Almost Here, Almost Now invites viewers to consider the deep time of space alongside the deep time of Earth. Works by artists such as Jeffrey Smart, Emily Kam Kngwarray, Fiona Hall, and Shaun Gladwell trace connections between the celestial and the terrestrial.
“Bringing together works from our own collection with pieces from the National Gallery of Australia is a remarkable opportunity for Mount Gambier,” Riddoch Curator Chris Clements said.
“It allows us to present a dialogue between place and perspective, and underscores the vital role that regional galleries play in connecting communities with the broader national story. We’re incredibly proud to offer local audiences access to works of such depth, complexity, and beauty.”
Almost Here, Almost Now opens with a free public launch on Friday 20 June 2025 at 6:00pm. Bookings are essential via The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre on (08) 8721 2563 or email riddoch@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm weekdays and 10:00am to 2:00pm weekends and most public holidays. Entry is free. For more information visit theriddoch.com.au
The presentation of works of art from Australia’s national collection is made possible with the support of MM Electrical Merchandising through the National Gallery of Australia’s Regional Initiatives Program.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Communications Officer Ashlea Watson at awatson@mountgambier.sa.gov.au or (08) 8721 2578.
