New art exhibition reaches across the generations
Media release
Opening this week at the Deakin University Art Gallery is the exhibition Conversations in space. Curated by Deakin's James Lynch, this project presents the creative practices of emerging, mid-career and established artists alongside each other.
'Conversations in space is an interplay between painting, animation and sculptural practices focusing on object relations and their proxies and stand-ins, in a flat time world: where our world view appears constantly moving but much remains the same.
'Central to the exhibition are new paintings by one of Naarm/Melbourne's most senior and much-loved artists, Helen Maudsley. Now in her nineth decade, Maudsley continues to make and produce highly precise and technical paintings that progress her enduring philosophical enquiries of art, language and communication.
'In Conversations in Space Maudsley's new paintings form a focal point of the installation and set a stage for the presentation of works by other artists so they are in close proximity and dialogue.
'Each of the artists' practices share a number of concerns and address the continuing relevant questions about power, agency and communication. Laura Skerlj for example, explores intimate colour relationships, moods and feelings in her small abstract paintings; Noriko Nakamura creates carved relics to explore ritual and everyday life; and emerging artist Alex Hobba creates 3D animations which explore a flattened sense of time with virtual objects floating in digital spaces to debunk tropes of the hero and masculinity.
'The purpose of this curatorial approach is to make connections and talk across diverse generations of artists and audiences living and working today rather than to see them in competition or isolation.'
Conversations in space continues until 5 April 2024.
Interviews with the artists and curator are available by request.
WHAT: Conversations in space
WHEN: Monday 12 Feb to Friday 5 April 2024
WHERE: Deakin University Art Gallery, Building FA, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood
The Deakin University Art Gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and entry is free.
An in-conversation event with the curator and artists Alex Hobba, Noriko Nakamura and Laura Skerlj will take place Wednesday 6 March, 1-2pm. Please RSVP via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/conversations-in-space-artist-talk-tickets-809669442097
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Key Fact
Noriko Nakamura Milking my heart 2019 carved limestone © copyright and courtesy of the artist