Vital Signs, an exhibition showcasing the works of visual arts graduate students from the University of Wollongong returns to Hazelhurst Arts Centre for a third year.
The result of a five-year partnership between UOW and Hazelhurst, the exhibition provides support for emerging artists from southern Sydney and the Illawarra to exhibit their work.
Works from the 2017 Graduate Show were chosen by UOW visual arts lecturer Dr Madeleine Kelly and Hazelhurst curator Ms Carrie Kibbler, and encompass a diverse range of approaches to creative practice.
Vital Signs showcases the work of 14 graduates.
These artists working in painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and textiles, have created an exhibition showcasing works informed by contemporary cultural and political themes.
Exhibiting artist Danny Ivanovski said his sculptural and video work, Impact, explores our current geological epoch, and the effect of consumer consumption on the natural environment.
‘‘My aspiration is to create, learn, network and exhibit, and to enjoy kick starting my career while working and experimenting with ideas and materials to comment on important issues,” he said.
The works on display seek to unsettle attitudes to contemporary cultural and political concerns. Some artists are influenced by their experiences of family, memory and history, and how personal history informs identity and art-making.
Anabel Malcom’s series of 40 oil and gel paintings entitled Peter revolves around materiality and repetition in order to explore mental illness.
‘I’m thankful for the opportunity to present my work in an amazing public gallery space, and to be working with likeminded creative people,’’ Anabel said.
Apart from an opportunity to exhibit their work the partnership with Hazelhurst also provides an exceptional opportunity for two UOW graduate students to build their professional experience.
The first is through The Hazelhurst Arts Centre Artist in Residence Prize, a two week residency at the Hazelhurst cottage, while the second is an internship working on Vital Signs, allowing hands on experience with artist liaison, and the technical and creative aspects of installation.
‘‘This position has given me a new insight into how a gallery, and how exhibitions are run’’ said 2018 intern, Lucy Donovan:
‘‘It’s such a unique opportunity and it has really given me a critical understanding of the work that goes behind each and every program and exhibition the gallery has to offer’’.
Vital Signs is a free exhibition which opens at 2pm on Saturday, March 24 and runs until April 3 at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, 782 Kingsway, Gymea
- Details: 8536 5700 or hazelhurst.com.au
