BENALLA Art Gallery will present works by artists from the North East in its upcoming exhibition, Northern Abstraction.

The exhibition features local artists Frank Burgers, Anthea Kemp and Mansfield resident Ralph Bristow.

Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said the exhibition explored diverse approaches to abstract painting.

“This exhibition draws together three artists with deep ties to the North East region,” said Mr Nash.

“We encourage the community to explore the region’s best abstract artists in this exhibition.”

The grouping of artists creates three different points of exploration and creation using the medium of paint, as well as pointing to each artist's relationship with North East Victoria.

“To be showing my work in such a prestigious gallery with the other two participating artists really is a dream come true,” said Mr Bristow, who works from his home studio in Barwite.

He said the exhibition is both a thrill and a privilege to be in.

“It has connected us as artists, abstract painters in this region and shown the art world that there is quality work being made from this rural area in North East Victoria," he said.

“The contrast between myself, Frank and Anthea is evident when viewed, and shows a great diverse look at what contemporary abstract art is.

“The exhibition is also a great step up in terms of being a career artist.

“From as far back as I can remember I’ve always drawn or painted in some way.”

Mr Bristow became an exhibiting artist after graduating with a fine art degree at Monash University at Caulfield in 1991.

His art is composed of layered depths and emerging forms “with a sense of urgency or sometimes restrained with a tuning in on a slower, peaceful plain”.

He is inspired by everything around him.

“The area and place where I live is a constant part of the inspiration used in my work," he said.

“Art is not just important to me, it is crucial.

“It provides different ways for people to connect and share an experience, ways to articulate what is the human experience on this planet.

“It obviously enriches our lives and culture socially and individually.

“As for myself, I am a better person when I paint because art gives me purpose and pleasure.”

Artist Anthea Kemp said in the curation of ‘Northern Abstraction’, Mr Nash has dedicated a different wall in the Simpson Gallery to each artist and she really appreciates the space each artist is given as well as connecting the three through the hanging of the paintings.

“I am extremely happy to be a part of such a strong exhibition,” Ms Kemp said.

The 30 year old artist had her first major solo exhibition in Melbourne in 2015, and since then has been included in various group exhibitions in Melbourne, regional Victoria and Sydney, and solo exhibitions in Melbourne, Sydney and Wangaratta.

Melbourne-based Anthea grew up in Taminick, near Glenrowan, on her parents 600 hectare sheep farm.

“Whether it’s consciously or sub-consciously, my work always returns to aspects of the landscape and the place where I grew up," she said.

“I make paintings that sit between representation and abstraction, however my work always has elements of my home.

“I am highly influenced by familiar places, familiar landscape, familiar bushland, familiar nature.

“I like to find and explore colours and shapes through these aspects of real life that are familiar to me to construct abstract compositions in oil paint.”

Frank Burgers is 55 and has been painting for 35 years, currently working from a studio in Benalla, though living in Wangaratta.

“I’ve had numerous exhibitions and won some prizes," he said.

“Honestly, I would love to be able to make a living from my art so I could spend more time doing it, but few people see value in buying art."

Mr Burgers said he painted in response to his immediate environment.

“I feed on my work, one thing leads to another, I look for new innovations, new ideas, I look for an engaging image, a visual experience, something deeper then point blank face value and something that surprises and satisfies me," he said.

“I use colour and structure to develop compositions, often utilising flat colour and simplified form.

“Abstraction easily degrades to the mere decorative, and to avoid that I try to build tension in the work, often by means of strong contrast.

“I am very happy with this exhibition.

"Art is important to me because it provides me with an expressive outlet and ongoing engagement.

“Art making is a process of setting a visual problem and then trying to find an elegant solution for that problem.”

Northern Abstraction is currently on display in the Simpson Gallery until June 27.

Entry is free; the exhibition complements the celebration of abstract painting on display at the gallery, with a major exhibition by one of Australia’s leading abstract artists, Robert Jacks, on display until August 1.