LEVEL UP is series of contemporary community gallery spaces spread across Wyndham. These spaces have been developed to provide emerging artists with an opportunity to showcase their work and support their transition into professional practice.
Enchanted Ink: Fairy tales Reimagined by Jessica Jane
Exhibition Dates: Fri, 27 Sep 2024 -Wed, 27 Nov 2024
Location: Dianella Community Centre, 6 Congo Drive, Tarneit West
Step into the whimsical world of ‘Enchanted Ink: Fairy tales Reimagined’, a detailed collection of ink illustrations that explore timeless fairy tales and childhood stories. It is an exhibition for the young and young at heart, reflecting on stories that we’ve grown up with and we still admire as adults. This series is a compilation of drawings by local artist Jessica Jane, giving her own spin on illustrated tales and magical ideas, from designing Cinderella’s ball gown to creating her own vision of the Emerald City.
Visitors will be enchanted by the illustrated scenes and delicate tiny details of ink drawing techniques. Look closer and see a mixture of cross hatching, stippling and line work used to create outlines, contrast and shading. The more you look, the more hidden gems you will find.
Jessica Jane is a Wyndham based illustrator and designer. Jessica completed a Bachelor of Illustration in 2016 and since has been exhibiting in galleries, artist markets and selling her art online and in stores. Her personal work focuses on detailed, whimsical ink drawings, with themes such as animals, nature, travel, costume and stories.
Jessica’s client work includes graphic design, surface design for babies/kids’ products, textile design for fashion and marketing design for stores, galleries and markets. Jessica also works on pet portraits, murals and has taught drawing workshops. Although her personal work primarily focuses on black and white ink drawings, Jessica’s client work showcases skills in watercolour, painting, digital
art and vector art.
Image credit: Jessica Jane as part of exhibition
Evocative by Lyn Stephenson
Exhibition Dates: Fri, 27 Sep 2024 -Wed, 27 Nov 2024
Location: Saltwater Community Centre, 153 Saltwater Promenade
Point Cook
Evocative is a series of paintings that invites the viewer to explore the senses and seeks to evoke something within us. It may be a sensation, an image, a memory – or a feeling that triggers a connection to the colour and shapes of the painting.
All my life I have been inspired by the environment around me. Having grown up in England where I began to paint as a young woman, then spending over forty years in South Africa developing my skills; and eventually coming to Australia with its unique and beautiful light. I carry within me the sights and colours, the sounds
and aromas of the land and the people of each place where I’ve lived. These life experiences play an essential role in my art.
Over the years, beginning with oils and realism, and later exploring other mediums and finding a love of expressionism, I have developed an abstract/impressionism style, which gives me the freedom to express myself as the artist I am today.
Image credit : Lyn Stephenson as part of exhibition
Good pregnancy care – What Karen women say by Refocus
Location: Tarneit Community Centre, 150 Sunset Views Boulevard, Tarneit
The photography exhibition တၢ်ကွၢ်ထွဲလၢအဂ့ၤ – ကညီမိၢ်ဒၢ အတၢ် ထံၣ် (Good pregnancy care – What Karen women say) is a poignant exploration into the concept of culturally safe pregnancy care as perceived by Karen women of refugee background currently residing in Victoria, Australia.
This exhibition is part of the Refocus (Refugee background women for cultural safety) study conducted by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, in partnership with Foundation House and the Stronger Futures Centre of Research Excellence.
Accompanying the photographs captured by participants known as Anonymous, May, Mular Hser, and Naw Por, is a collaborative letter crafted in partnership with Karen women, mothers, an elder, and a dedicated Karen community researcher. Addressed to health professionals and interpreters working within the Australian maternity care system, this letter underscores the importance of culturally safe practices.
Central to the narrative are three key themes developed from the study: building foundations for belonging, cultivating reciprocal curiosity, and storytelling as an expression of self and shared power. These themes sit within an overarching theme: “When I can be my whole authentic self, I feel safe and know that I belong.” Through this visual and narrative journey, the exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of cultural safety in maternity care, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges and enriches our understanding of safe healthcare practices.
Image credit: Refocus Logo
My Backyard by Mark Griffin
Exhibition Dates: Friday 26 July - Wednesday 25 September
Location: Tarneit Community Learning Centre
All the pictures for this exhibition are taken in my yard. I want people to see there is a world outside their backdoor that is there to be seen if they look. I want them to realise they don’t have to travel to distant or exotic locations, that there is this amazing world right there at home, that sometimes the everyday can be incredibly fascinating. I have an insatiable curiosity about almost everything and have often been distracted from one task or another to grab my camera and photograph all sorts of things that have strayed into my view. I would hope these pictures encourage people to explore their own yards and see what discoveries they can make there.
A Melbourne native, Mark Griffin has lived in Werribee for 35 years. Starting as a cadet photographer at the Herald and Weekly Times in 1977, he worked on the Melbourne Herald and Melbourne Sun until 1988, then joined the Weekly Times in 1989, covering sports, theatre, ballet, and news until 2012. After a career change, he graduated in Urban Horticulture from Melbourne University in 2015 but couldn't work due to illness. With no formal photography schooling, he learned from incredibly creative colleagues. He combines his love for photography and plants to find and share beauty in the mundane, driven by an insatiable curiosity about the world.
Image Credit - Mark Griffin as part of the exhibition.
Metaphorical Wings by Qing Zhang
Exhibition Dates: Friday 26 July - Wednesday 25 September
Location: Dianella Community Centre
The works in this exhibition can be divided into two groups. Firstly, I repeatedly paint the same bird, giving them different expressions and body language, rather than depicting a specific real scene. This is a metaphor. Each bird carries my desire to express myself, as if I am encountering different versions of myself. Each completed bird guides me on how to paint the next one. Their forms are like vectors full of energy, and I hope to create a flow of energy on paper through them. Out of the 10 pieces exhibited, 7 were completed in this manner. The other 3 pieces focus on surreal designs, stemming more from my imagination. These works explore the darker aspects of the self, such as the pain of endlessly wandering in self-doubt, while also expressing the desire to break free from these constraints. These 3 pieces emphasize the struggle within these bounds and the yearning for freedom. One piece featuring a mirror, represents my contemplation on the concept of "perception."
“My creative motivation stems from a focus on the inner self. To me, the inner self is a complex existence—a world often unseen, a topic intentionally or unintentionally avoided in daily life, and even contemplating it carries certain negative connotations. Confronting the inner self requires great courage. However, I believe it is deeply rooted in our essence, profoundly influencing our lives and affecting the development of every event. I use watercolour and paper as my medium to explore my inner self through painting, contemplating existence. This practice is also a form of mindfulness. I hope my works reflect my pursuit of self-awareness, acceptance, and affirmation, and have a positive impact on others. Because I believe that, on some level, we are deeply connected, like two trees whose roots are entwined in the same land.”
Image Credit – Qing Zhang as part of exhibition
Mirror by Jahangir Amin
Exhibition Dates: Fri, 24 May 2024 -Wed, 24 Jul 2024
Location: Saltwater Community Centre
Mirror was a collection of paintings; it's an exploration of introspection, perception, and the elusive nature of truth. Each stroke on the canvas serves as a reflection of the artist's inner world, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of self-discovery. The exhibition delves into the concept of mirrors not merely as physical objects but as symbolic portals to the psyche. Through a diverse range of styles and techniques, the artists challenges viewers to confront their own reflections, both literal and metaphorical.
The exhibition serves as a platform for dialogue, inviting viewers to engage in introspection and exchange perspectives with one another. It's an opportunity to confront the complexities of identity, memory, and truth in a world where perceptions often diverge. Mirror is not just about what is seen on the canvas, but about what is revealed within us when we dare to look closely. It challenges us to embrace the complexities of our own reflections and to appreciate the beauty found in the depths of our own souls.
I started painting from the early age and the passion for painting was always with me. Even though finding materials for a simple sketch in my town was as hard as looking for a needle in haystack but I did not stop. I started my professional learning in Austria Vienna Fine Art academy and held many exhibitions over past 17 years. As an artist, I have dedicated myself to the world of painting for over 17 years, honing my skills in both realism and surrealism. My canvas reflects the world around me, blending the tangible with the intangible to create captivating narratives.
In my art, I focus predominantly on women who endure the shackles of religious tyranny, deprived of their freedom. Through each stroke of my brush, I strive to give voice to their silenced stories, shedding light on their struggles and resilience. My paintings serve as a call to action, urging viewers to confront injustice and champion the cause of liberation. With empathy and depth, I capture the essence of their experiences, igniting hope for a brighter, more equitable future through my art.
Image credit – Jahangir Amin as part of the Exhibition
Self Xpress CIV by Oxygen College
Exhibition Dates: Fri, 24 May 2024 -Wed, 24 Jul 2024
Location: Tarneit Community Learning Centre
Enter the enchanting realm of "Self Xpress CIV," where art transcends boundaries to touch the soul. This exhibition is a tribute to resilience, growth, and the profound influence of creativity. Celebrate the accomplishments of 13 emerging Wyndham artists as they reveal their captivating creations. Through predominantly 2-dimensional works, each piece offers a glimpse into the artist's unique worldview. From vibrant acrylic strokes to intricate printmaking, the array of mediums is as diverse as the stories they convey. This showcase culminates a year of dedication, showcasing the transformative power of self-expression. Immerse yourself in "Self Xpress CIV" and witness the magic of creativity first-hand.
Thirteen artists in this vibrant collective bring diverse perspectives and a shared drive to evolve creatively. Meeting weekly from July 2023 to June 2024, they've fostered camaraderie and explored various mediums and techniques. Their journey, marked by experimentation and dedication, transcends the classroom, with countless hours invested at home. Each artwork in their exhibition reflects not only skill but also a profound voyage of self-discovery. Yet, it's their tight-knit bond and mutual encouragement that truly distinguish them. Through the highs and lows, they've forged lasting friendships, enhancing not just their art but their entire creative journey.
Image credit - Poached by Lisa North- Coombes as part of the exhibition
Share Nature's Beauty: Reality and Fantasy by Natalie Zuo
Exhibition Dates: Fri, 22 Mar 2024 -Wed, 22 May 2024
Location: Tarneit Community Learning Centre
Share Nature's Beauty: Reality and Fantasy is an enchanting exhibition with each artwork showcased is a testament to the artistic vision of Natalie Zuo, whose odyssey began in 2013 upon her arrival in Australia. Drawing inspiration from her Chinese roots, Natalie expertly melds the delicate brushwork of Chinese painting with the fluidity of watercolours, resulting in a harmonious fusion of traditions. Infused with imagination and a touch of fantasy, her paintings blur the lines between reality and reverie and brings us nature's beauty. This is not merely an exhibition of art; it is a celebration of the intrinsic connection between humanity and the natural world. Through her evocative paintings, Natalie invites viewers to embark on a sensory journey.
Natalie Zuo's artistic journey began in her hometown of Sichuan, China, where her fascination with the intricate beauty of Chinese painting led her to graduate from the Sichuan Academy Fine Arts Department. Her talent and dedication to art only grew from there, leading her to Melbourne, Australia, in 2013. In Melbourne, Natalie found joy in teaching a variety of art styles, including Chinese painting and watercolours, to students of all ages, thereby spreading her love for art and encouraging others to discover their own creative potential.
Continuing to evolve as an artist, Natalie combined traditional Chinese painting techniques with modern Australian styles, creating a unique and captivating aesthetic. Her work, which often merges reality with fantasy, has been featured in major Australian exhibitions, gaining her national recognition. In 2019, her "Echeveria Sasa" piece was displayed in the prestigious Australia International Watercolour Exhibition for the second time, cementing her status as one of Australia's most talented and sought-after artists. Natalie's ongoing passion and commitment to art inspire many, showcasing the profound impact of artistic expression.
Image credit: Image by Natalie Zuo as part of exhibition
Second Nature by Damien Laing
Exhibition Dates: Fri, 22 Mar 2024 -Wed, 22 May 2024
Location: Dianella Community Centre
Damien Laing is an urban planner and member of the 16mm film collective Artist Film Workshop.
Explorations of the anthropocene are all present and this proposal is similarly interested in the ability to conceptualise nature, but takes as its launching off point the philosophical concept of ‘second nature’ that appears and is modulated in the works of Hegel, Lukacs and Adorno. To ask, what it means that the ‘human world’ nestles on top of nature, supplanting and veiling it. That no image on a wall truly exceeds comprehension, due to the ordering of perception that has been inculcated through education.
The exhibition of darkroom prints displays the adapted nature of the gardens and spaces of Wyndham and is witness to how the new becomes naturalised. It speculates if it is possible to puncture this second nature and yet rehearses its own defeat producing yet another image that represents and, in that representation, naturalises the unusual object of representation again. Allowing through the artful display, to be reunited with the normal. This is the process of reification in which attributes start to appear ‘as if’ they were natural. His intention through acting out this process is to point to this process even when I’m not able to offer an escape.
Image credit Damien Laing as part of the exhibition
Retrospective by Ayelet Brookes
Exhibition Dates: Fri, 22 Mar 2024 -Wed, 22 May 2024
Location: Saltwater Community Centre
This exhibition showcased 20 year retrospective of the life of a young couple, capturing moments of their journey from early days of renting a flat to the joys and challenges of starting a family. Each piece tells a story of love, growth and change, inviting viewers to reflect on their own lives and the passage of time.
Ayelet graduated 2006 Monash University Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in glass art. Won the 2006 Kirra Award for the outstanding glass student at Monash University, the prize being an exhibition of her work at the Kirra Gallery in Melbourne.
A mum of two children, a cat and a parrot, book illustrator, artist, teacher of classical ballet since 2004, Ayelet is currently writing an anthology of poems for children and accompanying them with her own illustrations. She is fascinated by the interaction between people and the nature that surrounds them and is drawn to this subject as a basis for her illustrations and paintings.
Image credit: Image by Ayelet Brooks as part of exhibition
普通⼈ (Ordinary People) by MeiMei 莓莓 Hodgkinson
Exhibition Dates: Wed, 6 Mar 2024 - Thu, 21 Mar 2024
Location: Saltwater Community Centre, 153 Saltwater Promenade, Point Cook
普通⼈ (Ordinary People)’ explores and challenges the concept of ordinary through a series of paintings and drawings of Wyndham residents.
The works reflect people from a broad range of ages, race and social backgrounds.
With an intimate close-up lens, MeiMei exposes details that are often ignored or hidden from the first glimpse. Sun-soaked skin tone, delicate brushstrokes and dramatized expressions seek to illustrate the untold stories behind the eyes of people often seen as “typical”.
MeiMei 莓莓 Hodgkinson is an emerging Chinese Australian artist who currently lives and works on Bunurong Country in Werribee, Victoria.
MeiMei has been playing with oil paints since she was three-years-old and retains that childlike sense of imagination and vulnerability in her artworks today. Inspired by extraordinary stories of the ordinary, MeiMei seeks to explore the 喜怒哀乐 (sourness, sweetness, bitterness and spiciness) of life through people around her.
Image credit: Image by MeiMei Hodgkinson as part of exhibition
My World of Colour: Journey into Artistic Exploration by Dilshad Moosajee
Exhibition Dates: Thu, 18 Jan 2024 -Wed, 20 Mar 2024
Location: Tarneit Community Learning Centre, 150 Sunset Views Blvd, Tarneit
“My World of Colour: Journey into Artistic Exploration” is an immersive art exhibition that aims to celebrate my journey as an Australian Artist with Kenyan roots. This exhibition aims to showcase a diverse collection of artworks that evoke joy, provoke thought, ignite the imagination and celebrate colour using a wide array of artistic styles using oils and pastels on canvas and paper media.
The paintings represent the vibrance of Australian landscapes, the richness of the African culture and heritage as well as optimistic abstracts observed through the vision-impaired eyes.
Having migrated from Kenya 29 years ago, I am proud to call Australia home. I have lived in Werribee since 1995 and witnessed its growth and diversity. I have always been fascinated with colour and witness its vibrance in everyday life. My journey took me to art classes and interactions with local Werribee based artists where I improved on basic techniques and fostered some amazing friendships. During the pandemic, I was fortunate to access online classes in pastels with world renowned oil painter and pastelist, Lyn Diefanbach, who influenced my work and instilled in me the confidence to express myself using the language of colours
Living with macular degeneration has brought unexpected shifts to my artistic process. As my vision changes, so does my artistic vision. This metamorphosis adds an intriguing dynamic to my work, infusing it with a sense of spontaneity and impermanence. Each creation becomes a visual testament to the transformative power of adaptation and resilience. Sharing my artwork with the local community is an integral part of my artistic journey. Exhibiting my creations allows me to establish a connection with those around me, fostering a shared appreciation for art and promoting dialogue.
As I continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of my artistic vision, I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to share my work with the community. It is my hope that through my art, I can inspire others to embrace change, challenge conventions and find beauty in the unexpected.
Image credit: Image by Dilshad Moosajee as part of exhibition
Favourite Things by DMR Art Studio
Exhibition Dates: Thu, 18 Jan 2024 - Wed, 20 Mar 2024
Location: Dianella Community Centre, 6 Congo Drive, Tarneit West
'Favourites Things explored the canvas of personal passions. Each stroke told a story as artists showcase their beloved subjects - be it the cherished landscapes, cartoons, dimensional art or the pure joy of painting itself. Dive into a world where art meets affection, revealing the cherished treasures that ignite the creative flame within each artist's soul.
Image credit - image ‘Vibrancy’ by Mary DeBrabrander as part of exhibition.
A woman of character, Ceardai Demelza
Exhibition Dates: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 -Wed, 15 Nov 2023
A woman of character showcases the characters I have made over the last few years right through to what I am doing now. My creation of hybrid female creatures is my way of processing the world and understanding my place in it. It has been key to my mental health and personal growth to explore states of being, despair, isolation, belonging, spirituality and empowerment. My hope is that the characters and their stories speak to others, wherever they are on their own journey.
Artist Bio
Ceardai Demelza graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) from the Victoria College of the Arts in 2019. She has been in numerous group-shows and art prizes and in March 2020 Ceardai attended and presented at the Association for Women and Mythology’s Biennial Conference in New Mexico, USA. Ceardai’s characters, worlds and stories come from an eco-feminist perspective drawing the link between the commodification of both women and the environment.
Ceardai Demelza creates female hybrid creatures who have lived the challenges of life, and watched as the world and women are commodified, and exploited. Just as we now have to attempt to make something good out of the waste we have created in the world, Ceardai creates Oracles who rise up from the ‘compost’ redefining beauty and worth in a collaged, imperfect, and unapologetically powerful way.
Image credit Ceardai Demelza, Infinite Supply, Digital Painting, 2023
Cherish, Pamela Day Moyle
Exhibition Dates: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 -Tue, 14 Nov 2023
This exhibition seamlessly weaves the threads of time and creativity into a captivating tapestry of artistic expression. At its heart, the exhibition stands as a testament to my profound connection with both the art of the past and the pulse of the present.
It’s a collection of older paintings of still life metals. Metals are my favorite still life objects to paint, and paintings of life around us that I hold dear.
Artist Bio
My first passion for art started looking at the old master's work portraiture which gave me the feeling that they are watching. Art through many different cultures record history, their journey and what they treasure. The word passion, through its meaning describes exactly how I feel about pushing paint around a canvas. Passion meaning a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept.
Painting instills a sense of observation. Learning to paint gives us the eye to observe and see things other people maybe would not. I started my journey to paint through drawing. I have been fortunate enough to have lessons from some of the best still life painters we have. I attended Gregory R Smith School of Painters.
Although I have not shown my work before other than a student exhibition it has been my own journey of painting from the odd assignment. Paid commission for portraiture to landscape.
My joy comes from the experience of learning, The challenge of observation, and a never-ending journey of change and exploration.
Image courtesy: Image by Pamela Day Moyle as part of exhibition
Art Extension
Exhibition: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 -Tue, 14 Nov 2023
Bloom, Art Extension
Saltwater P-9 College opened its doors in 2019 and in 2023 we started our Art Extension classes. This involves students voluntarily attending before school once a week to continue their passion. Students have been working on progressing their skills and techniques in watercolour, sketching, drawing still-life, colour theory as well as perspective. Students have been working solidly on understanding water colour and combining this technique with colour theory to work toward having their own exhibition.
This collective of work represents the new day that is dawning. Soon the students within this group will all move onto their new schools, new homes, and new art goals. For now, I hold their aspirations in my hands and hope to nurture each of them. Some people think the dandelion is a weed among the beauty that is nature, but I see it differently, I look for a new perspective in all I do and always focus on the positive and the beauty that lies within. As these students fly off in search of what tomorrow brings, I hope they will always remember that someone believed in them, in their beauty, in the positive growth they are making toward making this world a better place.
MARIA NARDO – Am I Random?
Exhibition Dates: Friday 9 December to Thursday 9 Feburary
Location: Saltwater Community Centre
Artist Bio:
Maria Nardo @artbymarianardo is a contemporary multimedia artist who lives and works in the Point Cook, Vic area. Having completed a Masters of Primary and Secondary Teaching at Deakin University she now teaches Visual Art and hopes to continue her studies to be able to one day help young people through Art Therapy.
She has exhibited several times with other Artists in the RedWest co-op and taken part in the Wundergym program several times which saw her work featured in a publication sold at the National Gallery of Victoria as part of the Melbourne International Book Fair during Melbourne Design Week in 2022. This is Maria's first solo exhibition.
Am I Random?
In the spirit of storytelling, this series is a visual journey that expanded from just one idea. It began early in 2022 when Forward Motion for WunderGym ran in conjunction with the Science Gallery Melbourne's exhibition 'Swarm'. The exhibition focused on how we could potentially combine art and science. In the original work that started this series titled 'Am I Random?', I responded to the question – ‘What happens to us after death?’. Combining my knowledge of science, sociology and life I suggested that if humans produce energy, and the theory states that energy is never lost only transferred, then it stands to reason that we don't disappear, but our energy is just transferred. I imagined if we could create a machine that could see the energy bubbles floating around us.
If we could see this energy as colour and we had the technology to show our colour, would this be a way to find our soulmate? Would they be the same colour? Or a complementary colour? If our energy is like a bubble, is that why sometimes we feel as though our energy is absorbed by some people, repelled by others and combined with the ones we love? Do you ever feel like some people just 'pop' your energy bubble? Do you ever have the feeling of being drawn to some people and away from others? Is this random? Am I random?
From these thoughts I created this series of colourful works post-Covid to brighten and lighten the dark and sombre mood that seemed to have encapsulated the world over. These pieces, although all slightly different and e
Revive Live by Mark Strother
Exhibition Dates: Tuesday 14 February to Friday 14 April
Location: Dianella Community Centre
As an artist, I draw much of my inspiration from nature. I find nothing more beautiful than the colours, patterns and designs found within the world around us.
The centrepiece for this collection of my art is 7 pieces that when put together form a picture of a lush waterfall. Individually, they are a more abstract observation of the patterns and randomness found in nature.
I spent five years living in Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia. Darwin can be a stifling place to live during what they call the ‘build up’. Just before the wet season starts, the humidity builds up. You can drench a t-shirt in sweat, just sitting down outdoors. The beaches are a no go zone because of box jellyfish, and crocodiles. The only place to find relief is indoors where there is air conditioning. I watched a lot of movies in Darwin. Just hiding out in the cool cinema. But then there is Litchfield Park. An oasis that is safe to swim in, and as refreshing as it is beautiful. This is the inspiration to this centrepiece, called revive. The way that cool water falls seem to revive the body and soul. I have also included
The name of the art exhibition at the Dianella Community Center, is an expansion of an online exhibition my art is virtually displayed with Grove Studios. The exhibition at the virtual gallery was called ‘Revive’. This exhibition is ‘live’ rather than virtual, and therefore it is ‘Revive Live’
Artist Bio:
Mark Strother is the founder of grovestudios.com.au , a new startup business that focuses on promoting art and media. His creativity is a constant flow of painting, photography, graphic design, writing, poetry, fashion design, video production, screenplay writing and online content.
Mark has recently written and published the book 'Who is the Dogman - The artwork of M.W. Strother’ available on Amazon.com.au Mark's art has been sold locally and internationally as well as in fundraiser events. He lives in Hoppers Crossing with his wife Irene and their two teenagers who keep him young at heart.
Mark says ‘I am honoured to be able to connect with my community through my artwork and am grateful for the council to facilitate this and is so supportive of local artists. Without art, life is dull. As someone once said, : The ‘earth' without ‘art’ is just 'eh'
Image: Artwork by Mark Strother as part of exhibition.
Tongue In Cheek by Rukz One
Exhibition Dates: Friday 17 February to Friday 14 April
Location: Tarneit Community Learning Centre
Big messages and artworks that are in your face can deliver a strong message, but is it for everyone? What if we could lower the shock factor and make important messages something that visually even a child could view? Although the child might not get the message it may be a gateway for their parents to read further and perhaps plant a conversation seed for the next generation.
Artist Bio:
Rukz One was born and raised in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Often described as unique and polarising, he (and his art) swings between the simple and the complex. His art draws inspiration from skateboarding, hip hop, the Melbourne street art/graffiti culture, and humanity.
Now focused on the Artdecypher banner he aims to shine a creative light that reaches new locations and audiences by paving new paths that challenge the “norm”. Community and collaboration are driving forces in his work.
Previously he organized events that combined music and art under the “Creative Culture” banner and provided opportunities for creatives to showcase and celebrate. Rukz One served as a director on the RedWest Creative Co-Op Ltd board as Secretary, Treasurer, and President and currently holds positions as a member of Wyndham City’s Creative City Portfolio Advisory Committee and the Wyndham City’s Public Art & Collections Expert Advisory Panel (PACEAP).
Image: Artwork by Rukz One as part of exhibition 2023.
Jetty to Wyndham, Tracey Noonan
Exhibition Dates:Fri, 21 Apr 2023 -Fri, 30 Jun 2023
Location: Dianella Community Centre
The exhibition explores my love of Jetties and broken piers through long exposure photography and also journeys through Wyndham and Surrounds highlighting the beauty of the local area.
Artist Bio
I have always been into creative pursuits since I was a child. I particularly loved photography and even studied it at school. I had always dreamt of being a photographer but life got in the way and it wasn’t until a few years ago in my forties that I bought my first DSLR camera.
I started by photographing around my local area of Wyndham and Hobsons Bay and then branching out photographing a lot of the popular photography spots around Melbourne and holiday destinations that I have visited.
I discovered my passion is for Landscape Photography and Long Exposure and I have developed quite the interest in photographing Jetties and Broken piers in particular.
Image: Photograph by Tracey Noonan as part of exhibitio
Flow, Ayesha Dharmabandu
Exhibition Dates: Fri, 28 Apr 2023 -Fri, 7 Jul 2023
Location: Tarneit Community Learning Centre
My artwork is a series of linocut prints and acrylic pieces. These artworks show fluidity and flow and are linked with spirituality (Kundalini) and the element of water. In 2016, I awakened my Kundalini, through Reiki energy. This powerful energy helped me enhance my creative flow, where I received intuitive downloads to help me create my art.
I am a 7-9 Visual Arts and English teacher at Baden Powell College, in Tarneit. My main intention in presenting this artwork so close to the school, is to express my love and passion for art to my students and the community. I would like to show my students and the youth in Wyndham that there are many careers in art. I aim to inspire not only the youth but people of all ages to create and see art as a form of healing and mindfulness.
Artist Bio
Ayesha Dharmabandu (@arty_aye_sha) is a Melbourne based Multidisciplinary Artist. She is also a Visual Arts and English teacher, in Tarneit. She completed her Bachelor of Education, in Creativity and the Arts in 2008, majoring in Fine Arts and Performing Arts and sub-majored in Literature.
Ayesha is an emerging and expressive abstract artist. She often experiments with printmaking, acrylic paints, watercolour paints, graphite, ink, and gold leaf to create her works of art. Her paintings often depict movement and transformation, using bright colours, lines, and textures. Often, she writes poetry to go deeper into understanding her art, which helps her express herself and her artwork to her audience. She has always been inquisitive about the arts, and it was only seven years ago, she got her calling to share her artwork with the community. Ayesha often connects her art with spirituality and the community.
Image: Digital art by Ayesha Dharmabandu as part of exhibition
Digital Dreams, Nick Cowling
Exhibition Dates:Tue, 25 Apr 2023 -Fri, 7 Jul 2023
Location: Saltwater Community Centre
I have long been influenced by popular culture. The striking and kinetic visuals of Akira, the used-future sort-of realism of Star Wars, and even the detailed yet beautiful horror of Junji Ito. While some might think of it as “stealing and aesthetic” I tend to think of it as a “borrowing a vibe”. I am equally inspired by the environment I live in: Australia as the macro, the West of Melbourne in the micro.
Since beginning my artistic journey in 2020 I began to see that while there is a plethora of high-quality fan art out there that mirrors or builds on fictional universes there’s nothing that melded “Australiana” into these vibrant worlds – at least not to my liking.
Instead of waiting for someone else to do it I decided to craft my own vision of what an Australian influence would have on the media that has influenced me. Think: a punk cockatoo giving off all the energy and attitude that we all know they emit, a person riding a cassowary across the sparse beauty of the outback, and a Vegemite vending machine casting a yellow glow through a Blade Runner-esque concrete dystopia.
The suffix punk is added to words to indicate a particular or unique style in speculative fiction. Cyberpunk is essentially Japan taken to 11, Atompunk focuses post-nuclear war life. With this exhibition I want to create my vision of Australiapunk.
Artist Bio
I’m a self-taught creative living in Melbourne’s western suburbs. I’m strongly influenced by my local environment, Australian culture, science fiction, cyberpunk and vaporwave aesthetics, kaiju cinema, manga, and anime, as well as other styles of entertainment, architecture, and media.
While I try to create a unique style that is my own, I’m heavily influenced by a number of artists and creatives, chief among them are: Geof Darrow, Simon Ståhlenhag, Katsuhiro Otomo, Mike Mignola, MC Escher, Salvador Dali, James Stokoe, Josan Gonzalez (Deathburger), Junji Ito, Reg Mombassa, and Jamie Hewlett to name a few.
Image: Digital art by Nick Cowling as part of exhibition
Ana Hanson - Unbound Terrain
Exhibition Dates: THU 13 JUL - WED 13 SEPT 2023
Dianella Community Centre, 6 Congo Dr, Tarneit VIC 3029
Unbound Terrain, Ana Hanson
My body of work, 'Unbound Terrain: Contemporary Explorations of the Australian Landscape,' serves as a visual exploration of the natural world through the lens of the 21st century. Drawing upon my personal experiences growing up in the Australian bush and adapting to the interconnected urban environment of Melbourne, these mixed media artworks transcend traditional boundaries, blending a diverse range of mediums such as acrylic and oil paints, pyrography, collage, and digital art.
Artist Bio
Ana Hanson is an Australian mixed media visual artist whose work reflects a wide range of influences- both traditional and contemporary. Blending traditional and contemporary styles and mediums. Born in Melbourne and raised on the South Coast of NSW, Ana later moved to Canberra, where she earned a Bachelor of Visual Arts from the Australian National University School of Art, majoring in painting and contributed to a number of joint and group exhibitions. In 2018 Ana returned to Melbourne and has since participated in exhibitions and art prizes at a number of Exhibition spaces around Melbourne and regional Victoria. Ana's artistic practice encompasses a variety of media, from traditional painting and drawing techniques to aerosol, woodburning, and digital art. Her recent focus lies in landscape art, where she offers a fresh perspective on the natural world, with a unique artistic voice that transcends boundaries and celebrates the interplay between tradition and innovation.
Image: Image by Ana Hanson as part of exhibition
Jonabelle Cogan – Joiners
Exhibition Dates: WED 12 JUL - MON 11 SEPT 2023
Tarneit Community Learning Centre, 150 Sunset Views Blvd, Tarneit VIC 3029
Joiners, Jonabelle Cogan
In this exhibition, Joiners, Jonabelle Cogan displays a series of joiner photographs, an art form consisting of overlapping images creating one big panoramic image. Conveying that photographs need not be made by just a single print, creating a sense of ‘seriousness’, but can also be made playful, mind bending, and sometimes abstract by assembling multiple photos of the same subject.
Joiner Photography is made popular by David Hockney.
Artist Bio
Maayung adlaw! It means “good day” in Bisaya, one of the many dialects in the Philippines, where I am from. My name is Jonabelle Cogan. I love creating anything with my hands. I am a multi-faceted artist with many interests such as (but not limited to) jewellery metalsmithing, sewing, crocheting, printmaking, and photography.
I am passionate about Mother Nature, plant-based living, yoga, meditation, and spirituality. My inspiration derives from the beauty I see in nature as well as urban, and suburban landscapes. I see beauty everywhere I go, and my mission is to share these to people and hopefully, they too, see the beauty I see.
Image: The images shown were taken during Covid. They were my refuge during that time. I hope you enjoy. Part of the exhibition.
Yu Fanghong - Blooming Red Of Fabric Artistry
Exhibition Dates: WED 12 JUL - MON 11 SEPT 2023
Saltwater Community Centre Point Cook, 153 Saltwater Promenade, Point Cook VIC 3030
Blooming Red of Fabric Artistry, Yu Fanghong
Over the years, Yu Fanghong has tirelessly explored and innovated in fabric art, drawing inspiration from Chinese painting techniques. Through meticulous stitching with cotton thread, she creates intricate forms reminiscent of fine brushwork. This exhibition features 29 carefully crafted pieces, the result of Yu Fanghong's dedicated artistic pursuit.
Wishing Yu Fanghong continued success in her fabric art journey, and hoping the audience finds visual delight and spiritual enjoyment at the exhibition.
Artist Bio
Yu Fanghong, a Chinese woman in her sixties, has always harboured an artistic dream. Decades ago, she discovered her passion for fine arts and ventured into the world of fabric art. Fabric art is an expressive form that showcases the artist's imagination and creativity. By ingeniously combining discarded fabric scraps, Yu Fanghong transforms them into exquisite fabric artworks.
Image: Artwork by Yu Fanghong as part of exhibition
Ceramics Showcase by Wyndham Park Community Centre Ceramics Program
Exhibition Dates: Mon, 8 Jan 2024 -Wed, 7 Feb 2024
Wyndham Park Community Centre
This exhibition showcases the unique ceramic artwork created by class participants enrolled in the ceramics program at Wyndham Park Community Centre. With the support and guidance from highly qualified and experienced ceramic artists and teachers Melissa Murphy- Vella and Olga Kurbienko, class participants have explored individual themes, various concepts and refined techniques through the medium clay.
The exhibition gives a snap shot into the creative and imaginative world of the class participants and is a celebration of the wonderful work created throughout the year.
Image: Dani Acciarito “Quick Hide Me!”, 2022 as part of the exhibition.