Aspire Gallery

: Exhibition; 2018

Regeneration

Regeneration
The inaugural Aspirant Collection Showcase
Wednesday 20 June - Saturday 30 June
Opening Night: Saturday 23 June, 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Much like the concept of regeneration, Anne Collins, Aaron Micallef, Catherine Carolan, Corrinne Russell, Jennifer Bell, Ruby Purple, Rose Van Oyen and Kathy Sullivan are distinctly different. Whether that be their age, personality or style of art. Anne, for example, has been impacted by her long life.

“I am fortunate to have lived in this wonderful world for 94 years, so have seen many changes,” Anne said. “Mans’ ability to adapt and create new ideas never ceases to amaze me. But more importantly I wanted to ask what will we do next as a civilisation? Destroy ourselves with our ability to tamper too much? Or will we use this ability for regenerating the Earth we use?”

Aaron, similarly asks viewers to consider the regeneration of their everyday items. “For the Regeneration exhibition I have focussed on my work with upcycled glass. These pieces are created from discarded containerware – mainly beverage bottles – which are destined for conventional recycling (at best) or landfill,” he said. “In my practice of cutting, heating and transforming the form and surface of these bottles, they are regenerated, creating new functional and visually-pleasing objects.”

Rose and Catherine instead delve into the cyclical process of life. For Rose, her ceramic work explores erosion and decay – a process in the cycle of life; of breaking down and falling apart, entering a new phase of existence. Catherine similarly connects the cycles of nature, but instead uses the recurring patterns, lines, colours and shapes she sees in the water, earth and sky to slow down, relax and reconnect with nature.

Another artist, Jennifer Bell, has also highlighted the commonality of patterns seen in nature and the reoccurring designs that follow a pattern of regeneration in her work focussed on the Australian outback from an aerial perspective.

Ruby has also focussed on nature, but instead explores the preservation and management of the environment by humanity. “I used mixed media in layers to reflect the regeneration of our environment along with colour and vibrancy in an aim to awaken the viewer, allow a connection, and to showcase the beauty in their surroundings,” she said.

Kathy Sullivan in contrast has used the theme to regenerate fond memories of her youth through small shop scenes created using recycled materials. “I grew up in the East End of London. I remember, as a kid, always wanting to help mum and I was happy when she sent me on an errand to the local shops to buy groceries.” she said. “I enjoyed the feeling of trust and the independence that these small tasks afforded me.” Kathy said.

Whilst the eight artists have come together under one theme, each is connected in a much more important way. All eight individuals in the Aspirant Collection represent some of Queensland’s best emerging artists, but each have come together as part of the collection, and in this exhibition, to refocus and regenerate their artistic career to the next chapter.