Works that explore the tension between form and formlessness have been brought together for USC Art Gallery’s first exhibition for 2019.

The Come Close exhibition opens on Saturday 9 February at 3pm, with talks by two of the artists, Christian Flynn and Amber Wallis at 2pm.

Their works are joined in the exhibition by pieces from Leonard Brown, Ian Friend, Gordon Shepherdson and Judith Wright.

USC Art Gallery Manager Megan Williams, who curated the exhibition with Dr Arryn Snowball, said the works were cohesive and distinct when brought together.

“This cohesiveness comes from a shared commitment to the materiality of process and to working with the tensions of form and formlessness,” Ms Williams said.

She said the exhibition explored how the artists, all who have established studio practices, have imparted an inner consciousness into their works.

“For example, the figures in the painting of Judith Wright hover on the border between this world and a deeper world of memories, echoes and longing,” Ms Williams said.

“Leonard Brown’s paintings demonstrate a beautiful and succinct use of colour and pattern that activates the entire surface of the painting, while Gordon Shepherdson moulds men and women out of the darkness in oil and enamel on rough-cut sheets of paper.”

To register for the opening event or for artist talks on Saturday 9 February, visit www.usc.edu.au/art-gallery

The exhibition, to be officially opened by Artisan CEO, Claire Sourgnes, will continue until Saturday 16 March.

The USC Art Gallery is located at USC’s Sunshine Coast Campus on Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs. It is open free to the public from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and closed Sundays and public holidays.