Exhibitions shed light on local artists

The art scene in North and West Melbourne is attracting art creators and appreciators through a number of exhibitions being held this year.

West End Art Space is thrilled to announce the upcoming art exhibition featuring the works of iconic Australian artist Brett Whiteley.

It will provide a captivating snapshot of Whiteley's turbulent life and artistic journey from 1961 to 1988.

The exhibition, titled BRETT WHITELEY: DRAWINGS & GRAPHICS will showcase Whiteley’s artworks which were created in the mid-1970s and ‘80s, which was a celebrated period for the artist.

This free exhibition will take place from November 15 to December 2, from 6pm to 8pm at West End Art Space.

westendartspace.com.au

Meanwhile, solo artist Tom Ripon hosted his first exhibition titled Sculptures in Wire, Wood and Paint and was held from October 12 to 22 at One Star Gallery.

Curated by One Star Gallery, the exhibition offered large and small wire sculptures, animals, artist talks and demos.

The new range of wire sculptures featured, had timber pieces which Mr Ripon called Eyewood.

Local residents and visitors also enjoyed the small paintings of the town Clunes Central, Victoria, where Ripon lived.

Mr Ripon said he was pleased with the outcome of what was his first solo exhibition show.

“I had great success with the show as it was the first solo exhibition, the first in which I have used the smaller grade wire mesh, the first outing for the Eyewood pieces as well, and the paintings provided a foil for the difference of the other pieces,” he said.

One Star co-proprietor Katy Beale said Ripon’s solo exhibition was successful because his work was very accessible, especially his big animals.

“Everyone was really attracted to it, like people who might not normally come to an art gallery. We had lots more kids, dogs and local people. So, it was really nice to have that for a change and Tom was very happy that his art is accessible to people and they had a great reaction,” she said.

“When Katy agreed to take on the show, I knew the bigger the street presence the more people would see the work inside. Therefore, bringing in larger pieces to display outside was always important. I feel we achieved a level of frivolity with the show, but also introduced some new stuff to Melbourne and the world,” Mr Ripon said.

While talent is rising in Melbourne, there are still barriers people experience to engaging in the arts.

Ms Beale is encouraging people to provide more support because artists are a critical community resource.

“Just look at all the art that is around, there’s so much and so many fantastic people especially locally,” she said.

“The best support is to look at work, it’s not even about buying it, but just to appreciate it or give it a go. There’s usually something for everyone but people have to break that barrier thinking that art is not for them or that you have to understand something to go into a gallery."

"But you don’t because it’s just there. Ours is a window gallery so if people are too shy to come in then they will at least look at the window.”

Facebook: One Star Gallery.

One Star photography: Ajay Viswanath.