It is the combination of Andy Devine and Peter Tilley that has created Black Harvest, which features both collaborative works and individual pieces, on display at the gallery until February 1.

After exhibiting opposite each other at the Newcastle University gallery in 2012, the complementary nature of their works was obvious and the pair decided to work together.

Black Harvest was first exhibited at Cooks Hill Gallery in July 2013, and later that year the artists approached Cessnock Regional Art Gallery director John Barnes with a proposal for a future exhibition.

It was Dr. Barnes who suggested that the exhibition would be suitable as a touring show, and as a result it started at Moree in November 2014 before its arrival at Cessnock last week, and will continue on to Port Macquarie, Muswellbrook and Manly until September 2016.

Black Harvest’s premise is that of the coal industry and its impact on the environment, the individual and the future.

Both artists have shown great respect to one another to allow the other to complete something they had initiated.

The studio process is one of response to an artwork or a found object rather than a discussion in a collaborative sense – which the artists said made for a pleasant surprise when they saw the final product.

Their technical expertise across a broad range of mediums (Devine’s paintings, prints and multi-media works and Tilley’s sculptures) along with a shared aesthetic and intellectual understanding has produced a body of work that speaks louder than their combined voices.

Through constant contact with each other’s work these two artists have developed a rare rapport, friendship and understanding of one another and intend to continue collaborating in the future.

Cessnock Regional Art Gallery is open 11am to 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday at 16 Vincent Street.