Feast on a genius at gallery

El sueno de la razon produce monstrous (the sleep of reason produces monsters) by Francisco Goya is part of an exhibition opening at the Grafton Regional Gallery next Wednesday.

ART LOVERS in the Clarence Valley will soon to be in for a rare treat with an exhibition showcasing works from influential 18th-century artist Francisco Goya opening at the Grafton Regional Gallery next week.

According to a spokeswoman from the gallery, Goya aimed to document the human condition and denounce social abuses, social backwardness, ignorance and intellectual oppression during a time of social repression and economic crisis in Spain.

The exhibition, titled Francisco Goya: Los Caprichos, will be on display from next Wednesday, February 8 and features an early edition of Los Caprichos, which is a set of 80 etchings first published in 1799.

The gallery spokeswoman said the work was considered to be one of the most influential series of graphic images in the history of western art.

"Los Caprichos deals with such themes as the Spanish Inquisition, the corruption of the church and the nobility, witchcraft, child rearing, avarice and the frivolity of young women. Its cast of characters includes goblins, monks, aristocrats, prostitutes and animals," she said.

The spokeswoman said exhibitions such as this one were rare in regional art galleries and said staff and volunteers at the Grafton Regional Gallery were excited to be hosting it.

The Goya exhibition isn't the only new show to go on display at the gallery shortly - next Wednesday will also see the opening of the exhibition Venetian Visions which is a collection of works by Albury Art Prize winner Catherine O'Donnell.

In 2009 Ms O'Donnell had the opportunity to complete an artist residency in Venice and while there created a collection of works exploring the architecture, culture and history of the city.

The works highlight Ms O'Donnell's interest in light and shadow, geometry and common urban environments in areas of Venice generally not seen by tourists.

There will be an official opening for both exhibitions at the Grafton Regional Gallery next Friday night, February 10 from 6pm.

For more information about the official opening night and about the exhibitions in general, phone the Grafton Regional Gallery on 6642 3177.