Splashes of colour, texture and creativity don the walls of the Academy Gallery to celebrate a year’s work by university and TAFE students.
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From TasTafe’s diploma students to the University of Tasmania’s PhD students, a vast set of skill levels showcasing work across mediums like printmaking, painting, textiles and installations hangs on the walls.
Academy Gallery director doctor Malcolm Bywaters said the exhibition is a great way to congratulate student’s on their work and thank staff for their hard work. “It is fabulous for the families and loved ones to come together to see what the students have produced,” he said.
There is that celebration of presenting their work.
- Doctor Malcolm Bywaters
Bachelor of Contemporary Arts (Honours) student Melanie Fidler has her largest work to date, Hyper environment, on display at the exhibition.
“It is based on the Great Western Tiers in Tasmania,” she said.
Fidler found inspiration for her work while bushwalking with friends.
“It looks at how all the different ecosystems link up to make one environment,” she said.
The work is an extremely personal response to what Fidler saw and felt.
“It is my final piece for my honours degree and it is my first proper landscape,” Fidler said.
Daring away from her comfort zone of portraits, Fidler said she is excited with the end result.
“Coming back into the arts after having some time working in different industries is really nice, it is almost like a completely refreshing outlook on what I can do in my future,” she said.
“It is a really positive course and I would definitely encourage anyone who is interested in the arts to do it.”
For many of the students it is the first time they will have the chance to exhibit their work.
“There is that celebration of presenting their work...but a lot of these students will go on to other careers, so it is a celebration of the ending of their studies and the beginning of their careers,” Dr Bywaters said.
TasTAFE education manager Christine Hughes the exhibition gives students exposure, as well as fulfilling the requirements of their studies.
“The public can actually see what is developing in the arts community,” she said.
TasTAFE head of textiles Michael Kay said the exhibition contributes to the wider cultural welfare of Northern Tasmania’s art scene.
The exhibition will be on the walls of the Academy Gallery until Friday, December 2.
