Art lovers can enjoy a sneak preview of illustrations from books that are yet to be published when USC Gallery launches its 2015 program with two exciting exhibitions on Thursday 12 February.

The new works by authors Dr Ross Watkins and Paul O’Sullivan will feature in a Telling Stories: the illustrated book exhibition to be officially opened by USC Associate Professor of Creative Writing Gary Crew at 6.30pm.

The exhibition will also showcase works by USC graduate Dean Jacobs and Victorian illustrator Naomi Turvey, along with five illustrations by Shaun Tan from Dr Crew’s private collection.

(pictured right is Dean Jacobs' The Art of Ageing Gracefully)

USC Gallery curator Dawn Oelrich said illustrated books, which were once aimed primarily at children, were now produced for young adults and older readers.

“This exhibition looks at the aspects and writing techniques contributing to the illustrated book and its place in modern literature,” she said.

“There are samples of illustration from traditional graphite and paint, to scraperboard (also called scratchboard), to digital and airbrush techniques.

“We have a great year of exhibitions ahead of us and this one is significant because Creative Writing is one of the fastest-growing areas of study at USC, and how to write for the illustrated book is one study component available for our students.”

The second exhibition, The Drift of Impure Thoughts: Kym Tabulo, will be opened by USC’s Senior Lecturer in Design Dr Lisa Chandler.

“Kym Tabulo’s extraordinary exhibition presents a series of sequentially juxtaposed abstract images,” Ms Oelrich said.

“Her amazing series of work is presented in abstract rhythms of graphite, ink and colour, allowing the viewer to tell their own story. It is mesmerising.”

Both exhibitions will continue at the USC Gallery until Saturday 21 March.

The gallery is located at the USC campus on Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs.

It is open free to the public from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday (closed public holidays).

— Terry Walsh