ARTWORKS AND ARTIST STATEMENTS

Day to myself

Angela Drunsfield

Photograph

Others opinions play an enormous role in the way we perceive ourselves. Specifically throughout our adolescence, these opinions and words spoken about us play a role in the way we view ourselves, overall affecting our identity. These sometimes conflicting opinions of ourselves can leave us feeling confused and in a state of feeling helpless and unknowing of ones self, the one person who we should know the most. The sequence of images in which the work has been laid out into each represent the specific moments, both in solitude and in public, where we often find ourselves reflecting on the opinions of others and how it influences our perception of ourselves. The latex seen being removed from the skin represents this notion of others opinions and how difficult it is to remove these labels and categories we have been put in, as if these opinions where like a mask wanting to be removed. The name of this work represents the overwhelming amount of time we often deliberate these opinions and thoughts of ourselves. Adolescence and teenage years are times in which we are only just discovering who we are as a person. Opinions and negative words spoken play a role in the way in which one perceives themself. Through this artwork, I hope to encourage more people about speaking out about issues, particularly concerned with the way one perceives their identity, as it is an important part in growing confidence and self-assurance.

Madeleine Maki-Neste

Building a Home

Collage on canvas

The body of work I have created focuses on the social issue of homelessness. Each artwork has a very similar meaning behind it. The issue of homelessness may not be something one person can change, or even something money can change, but there are things we can do to contribute. Proverbs 31:8-9 says, ‘Speak for those who cannot speak; seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction. Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.’ This passage means to me, as a Christian, that God wants his people to take action when someone is unable to help themselves. Rather than focusing on encouraging people to make donations of money, I have emphasised other things that can be given, such as a voice, food, or a simple act of kindness if that is all one has to offer. I wanted the materials I used in my collage to reflect the limited resources my homeless subjects may have at their disposal.

Dale Lincoln

Sight Seeing 

Acrylic & Acrylic Medium on Canvas

It’s easy enough to take a photograph of a landscape without immersing yourself in the depths of its true beauty.  We can alter and enhance the colours: magenta, cyan and yellow as we capture the ‘perfect moment’ to share with the world through social media. We need to look at the bigger picture and take our eyes off the screen. I wanted the process to reflect the message of works, to create a sense of unity as I immersed myself in the painting process mixing the colours on canvas rather than on a palette. If we are only focused on recording where we have been and what we have seen rather than deeply knowing our environment, the neglect may result in images that can no longer be remedied or glossed over by the use of a filter.

Sian Royal

Dreams v Nightmares

Digital Photography

Everyone experiences dreams and nightmares in their lifetime. These are a reflection of the subconscious mind and the thoughts that occupy our minds during a person’s restful time – sleep. My work depicts my own affiliation with the ‘dreamy’’ state.  The work is a self-portrait, a journey, a self-expression and a tribute to dreams and nightmares that affect us all.

Alyssa Brolly

Disconnected

Canvas, Acrylic Paint, Modelling Compound

Inspired by my favourite artist, Salvador Dali, my artwork titled Disconnected represents my views on modern society and how we have all become disconnected.  We are told we live in an increasingly connected world where communication has been revolutionized bringing us closer together than ever before. However I believe because of such revolution we have become more disconnected and as a society we have lost our way to communicate.  My work addresses the notion that the basic social fabric has become frayed, and our sense of place and community diluted as the new digital devices we use today threatens to narrow rather than expand our horizons, shutting us off from unique encounters with the physical world and with other people.

Tereanau Hamani

The Mask Within

Mixed media Paper, Pen, Pencil

The self-portrait is one of the oldest expressionist genres used by man, from the early 1433 to present day, it has provided insight into the artist’s mental state, whilst also portraying moments of self-analysis, where the artist’s use their skills and knowledge to portray themselves how they deem fit. Inspired by Toyin Odutola’s works I choose discrimination and stereotypical connotations on appearances as my focus for my self-portrait titled The Mask Within.  Odutola’s use of subjectification within her works, where her portraits are placed within stereotypical undertones that come with appearances of coloured skin (black) in her subjects break down the walls of bias and discrimination on appearances . With the covering of the two faces by mesmerising trails of grey and black that seem to go on forever, the “masks” in my work symbolise a blank canvas where the viewer is asked to form their own opinion on who I am.

Kieran Wright

Untitled

Digital

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The artwork is a personal response to the concept Carpe Diem, a Latin aphorism, translated ‘seize the day’.  This work reflects my own personal journey as a brother, student and aspiring digital artist, as I live each day as it comes to it’s full potential.

Tom Walsh

1920

Painting on canvas

My work explores the relationship between body image and sexism against women in today’s society.1920 was the year for hope as women were giving the right to vote. Unfortunately what starts out as hope soon becomes corrupted and crumbles into a tragic state of greed and violence, leaving only a sense of what could have been and the dawn of a new beginning.

As sexism becomes a social and political norm, it also becomes clarified through frantic and repetitive practice and the idea becomes more acceptable as time passes.

Isaac Cocco

Abandoned, Solitary and Growth

Photoshop - PVC

Depression can be hard for teenagers everywhere. Suicide is one of the issues that our world needs to address to make a change in the society. We needs to lend a helping hand to those with depression and ask RUOK. This can make a difference.

Joni Nonggorr

Dependence

Acrylic on Canvas

The work explores global warming , its causes and effects. If humanity  does not let go of it's current way of life and it's complete dependency on fossil fuels, we will poison our world to the point where it is no longer habitable: to the point of extinction.

Liliia Samysheva

The delusion

Oil Painting on reclaimed timber

“The delusion”, intends to convey a powerful message of human non- existence in the perfect, virtual world created while being asleep. The joy obtained from the realization that none of these everyday matters have weight in the parallel reality is perhaps one of the essential reassuring feelings which nourishes our hidden passions and allows us to continue striving for those in real life settings. The necklace left behind on the bed, conveys an idea of the direct interaction of virtual and materialistic worlds, as one would not be possible without the other. Yet one is to decide, which of these two spaces, is real and which is an illusion. 

Glenda Choi

"The Tome Loop"

Digital Film

The mundane schedule of life within contemporary society, remains variable to time. I deconstructed the relationship between time and spirituality in the way they pertain to the inexorable nature of one’s fate. The explicit photographic use of chiaroscuro within Bill Henson’s works also distinguished profound influence upon the structure of my short film.  The soundtrack of Pan’s Labyrinth also solidifies the concept of time in its relation to fate. I am profoundly inspired by director Guillermo Del Toro’s portrayal of destiny, wherein the protagonist was depicted as a mere pawn to an irrevocable fate that was crucial to the course of her existence. Hence, I am prompted by Del Toro’s creative finesse and the Asian superstition regarding the “Red String of Fate”, to compose a short film entitled “The Time Loop”, which will effectively denote the concept of a predestined way of life…

Edan Hannah

The High Priestess

Digital & Wearable Art

My piece began with exploring the broad topic of spirituality, leading me to focus on three main practices common in the movement, Astrology, tarot and chakras. These crafts are a regular occurrence in my life due to my mother who practices the trade.

My mother being a central influence in my life inspired me to make this piece, coupled with my own growing curiosity with the spiritual realm. I wanted to showcase my own physical interpretation of spirituality in the form of my wearable art. I drew influences from tribal like attire and even post-apocalyptic apparel. I chose these paticualar styles for the fact that pagan faith and the practice of spirituality was present in the early beginnings of human civilization, spanning back long before colonization and as for the apocalyptic aspect, most adaptations of the genre draw from these historical events exhibiting how humanity would respond when hit with mass devastation reducing them to survive in similar circumstances as the tribal ancestors.

This piece reflects all aspects of life but it especially signifies strength, creativity and passion, all things I uphold.

Brayden Adamson

Portrait of a Post-Atomic Family 

Digital Triptych

Portrait of a Post-Atomic Family is a series of artworks which show a typical family in an Orwellian future. It takes some of the main familial archetypes - the caring mother, the slothenly father, the emo teen and the hyperactive child - and twists them into a form which subverts there associated stereotypes. The mother is disconnected and clearly bruised. The father is brusque in motion, yet dead in the eyes. The teen is socially engaged, but in a way which is unflattering. The child is engaged in playing with the too few toys he has, while the smile is forced. All of these images are lodged between two pictures, mirrors of each other, of the president - a symbol for the ruler of this possible future - each with the kind of stare which says 'I'm watching you.'

Each of the roles are played by me, in differing outfits and with differing expressions, so that I am, in essence, the artwork. In posing for these pictures, I've carefully considered the staging for each in a way which is similar to works by Cindy Sherman and Tracey Moffatt; really owning the roles in a way which makes their positions clear. The family pictures are slotted together to form a rectangle, which has a plaque underneath giving the title. The pictures of the president are framed – with the words 'Your President' beneath so that his status is clear – to give them the oppressive feel they need. Each of the images have been subtly altered from their original forms with added shadows to add a feeling of drama to them.

Taylor Lawler

Dreaming up a Storm

Mixed Media Diptych 

“Dreaming up a Storm” comprises of two panels. On one side a cold reality, the other depicts a child’s fantasy. 

We live in a society where it is rare for a person to have solitude, especially in youth. Children usually have friends around them or are immersed in technology. This child has the pleasure of being able to sit and think; daydreaming about a more beautiful reality, dipping into her imagination and indulging in her personal fantasies.

“Dreaming up a Storm” brings back many memories from childhood of the reality and the fun, indulging in playing with my siblings.

Charlotte Knox

Purgatory 

Acrylic on board & mirror

I’m not personally a religious or spiritual but works by Hieronymous Bosch and Peter Booth really sparked my imagination. The mirror represents the realm between Heaven and Hell that some believe exists to determine where your soul will travel to after death; Purgatory, but also the mirror provokes the viewer to reflect on themselves, their current behaviour, religious beliefs and future. Placing the mirror horizontally above the painted panel directs the view point, representing that from Purgatory you may fall to Hell. The dark, gloomy, morbid panel can easily be interpreted as Hell; the punishment of unfaithfulness to religion. Torturous activities, hybrid creatures and unholy practices set the scene of punishment and horror. Church smothered in flames, as humans are lead to their death. Crawling through barbed wire as it digs into the flesh. Being dragged to a watery death by an unknown sea serpent. Bodies being burnt at the stake, as others are pushed into a boiling pot of lava. The snake could be interpreted as a reference to the serpent from the story of Adam and Eve, that temps Eve to take the forbidden fruit. The final layer of shellac adds to the atmosphere of pain and despair, the brown tinge and welling in areas look as if the panel itself is being burnt. I tried to keep with the painting style of the 14-15th century art, not modernise the painting too much. Keeping the figures and sizes distorted and unrealistic but still allowing them to be recognised as humans and hybrid creatures.

Lisa Hu

Alice in Wonderland

Watercolour on paper

Coming of age; leaving school, going to university, paying taxes, being independent, the move to adulthood can feel overwhelming. Inspiration for this work came from the Freudian Theory which explains when a person gets anxious or distressed, they will often want to return to a period of time that is comforting and secure – childhood. Alice’s journey through Wonderland has also been used as inspiration, with the red roses a symbol of her wonderland experience.

Samara Pangilinan

Censor Me!

Mixed Media

Censorship is the biggest controversy that graces our lives. It’s in every aspect of our day from when we wake, till when we sleep. It effects the news, entertainment, laws, opinions, bodies, books, art and even our thoughts.

We believe that we are protected because of censorship, or is that just naivety? Do we have to purposely use distortion and flowery language to cover up the reality of our world?

Blake Coleman

Milk and Honey 

Mixed Media

Ignorance is bliss – or is it?

‘If you find honey, eat just enough – too much of it, and you will vomit’ - Proverbs 25:16

If you compare this ancient proverb to our current society, this profound analogy has stood the test of time.

‘Milk and honey’ in the Promised Land represents the good things of life. However, if we over-indulge will it influence our ability to decipher fantasy from reality?

In this piece, flowering plants gracefully cascade down the canvas, while the birds slowly begin to suffocate in a state of silent bliss, gradually disappearing into the overgrowth of unkempt ignorance.

Archie Lord-Browning

Polling Ahead, 2016

Cardboard, Paper

Polling Ahead is a statement about the media’s manipulations of our mind, and how they can change the way we perceive the world. The cardboard slices, which were constructed out of voting booths, represent our choice and our current indoctrinated state. The viewer can choose to either simulate the manipulations of the media, by rotating the existing slices, or reset the position of the slices, removing most of the media’s brainwashing. The process is repeated endlessly, symbolising the media’s eternal beguilement of our society.

Terence Crowe

Dissected Tree of the Human Kind 2016

Quilling Paper

Using quilling paper, I have constructed a tree stump filled with human organs, representing our symbiotic relationship with the environment. We reap organic materials, through acts like deforestation, to produce resources vital to our everyday lives, symbolised by the paper from which the stump is constructed. However, this also contributes to events which harm us, like climate change, expressed by the organs placed inside. While the heart in the centre represents cardiovascular diseases from declining air quality, the brain on the right expresses cerebrovascular diseases born from rising temperatures. The liver on the left symbolises damage by contaminated water through increased salinity and a lack of natural filtration. This work aims to demonstrate how we are causing harm to ourselves just as much as we are harming nature.

Lisa Ernst 

I’m Fine, 2016 

Through heavy experimentation and inspiration from the artists of Claire Fontaine and Pei-San ng, I was able to collaborate an artwork that both conceptually and visually conveys the issues evolved around depression. Through the focus of the human condition, I was able to narrow down my selection of choosing a mental illness that effects the mind of a person through sudden change and continuing to develop to either worsen or eliminate itself. The artwork itself is presented to be a link to self-harm which can be caused by depression. Many people self-harm through sharp objects, although there is somewhat ‘relief’ of self-harming. Victims also want the sensation of the burning pain; to have a permanent reminder. This reminder is more of sign on how the victim is feeling. Although the person may be feeling ‘fine,’ in reality, they need saving but prefer not to admit it. While one view reads ‘I’m Fine,’ viewing the matches the opposite way will read ‘Save Me’. Through the manipulation and placement of the letters, I was able to merge these 4 words into one; a statement that I many people would relate to. Many victims use matches to repeatedly burn themselves in the one spot, hence the obsessive use of matchsticks within the artwork. There is a sudden desire from the audience to burn the art rather than read it first. Initially, many take the path of destruction rather than the path of reason and patience. Actions we must learn to practice, appreciate and accept.

Annabelle Trimble

 “Graft”

5 Videos displayed in a continuous loop on an IPad

Atop some of Steve McCurry’s most iconic portraits of women, from Niger to Tibet, is the grafting of a self-portrait- myself being a white, Australian girl, with a westernised lifestyle. The filling of the grafted shapes represents the loss and change of culture in other countries around the world. A major factor contributing to this is the strong influence of westernisation. This has resulted in significant homogenisation of society, slowly terminating the beauty that diversity brings to the world.

Bryce O’Hara

“New Blood - Binds and Blinds”

Painting on canvas with Digital image created from scanned painting and drawing displayed on an IPod connected to the painting 

This piece deals with our ever increasing addiction to technology and how this change is causing ‘New Blood’ – the younger generations - to become more disconnected from each other. Advancements in technology bind us to the devices that serve as distractions, while blinding us from physical human interactions. These virtual worlds also blind us from important issues facing our world and enable humanity to be ignorant, encouraging us to live blissfully unaware, in our own crafted utopias.

Tyler Krelle

‘Breaking the Barrier’

Acrylic on canvas

It is my observation, that we as humans, believe ourselves and our race to be superior to all other intelligent life forms. We disregard the possibility of co-existence with others who may be capable of feeling, thinking and existing in unison. ‘Breaking the Barrier’ suggests the collapse of the metaphorical walls we construct, in the hope that we might accept others despite our fear of those we do not understand.

Madeleine Vince

‘Star-Crossed’

Photography

‘Star-Crossed’ is a representation of life and death and the co-existence of such in the universal foundations of love. The figures explore the relationship between mortal and supernatural entities and the existential stories, which can be created through the merging of two colliding worlds. This photograph depicts life in a feminine form and death in a masculine form, with femininity suggestive of life and birth and masculinity suggestive of supernatural or having once existed but does so no longer.

Claire Glover

‘Adagio’

Film

Adagio, in ballet, is a term that describes a series of slow movements, performed in a seamless and fluid manner. The dancer seeks to challenge and extend the physical and mental capabilities of the human body. For as long as I can remember, I have found a certain sense of freedom and escape in dance. While the figure depicted in the artwork moves with grace and fluidity, the water both enhances and impedes her performance, thus limiting her quest for perfection.

Crystal Basher

‘Death is Beauty’

Wax, crayon, hand-made crystals, glass skulls

These three skulls have been influenced by my findings in relation to reincarnation. The idea that nothing is as it seems yet everything comes from the one beginning has intrigued me. The cultural impacts of reincarnation in modern society has led to a resurgence in people looking for affirmation of the effects of the after life. My hope is that the viewer can find an element within these skulls that reminds them that beauty comes from death.

 Anja van Aswegen

"Forgotten"

Porcelain raku fired sculpture with salvaged wood.