WIP
6 April - 30 June 2023
Artists don't see themselves as finished after completing a project; they view their creative process as a continuous evolution which can include explorations, deviations, celebrations, challenges, and re-starts. It may include going back to the drawing board more than once, or perhaps throwing the board out altogether and drawing on the floor. Similarly, recovering from mental health issues is rarely a linear journey, and it's possible to experience relapses, forks in the road, obstacles, and setbacks. The creative experience of an artist parallels that of the experience of being human - we are all works in progress.
WIP, or ‘work in progress’, is a group exhibition of artists from The Studio Dax program at The Dax Centre. This program was established to create a supportive environment for individuals with a lived experience of mental health issues to engage in artmaking, learning and sharing. Having operated for just over a year, the program has succeeded in providing a nurturing space for artists to flourish. The program and the artists are still in the process of learning and growing, with their potential leading them forward. The aim of this exhibition is not to showcase fully resolved works, where potential has been fully realised, but rather to capture a moment in time of the artists and the program. As a result, the exhibition represents people, artists, and a program, all of whom are works in progress on a journey towards what they can become.
Artworks shown in image by: Callum Watson, Martin Weatherhead, Dori Regner, Lynne Kells
Exhibiting artists
Alana Winter, Angelyka Nowak, Bronny Handfield, Callum Watson, Caron Boulter, Christele Brunet, Dori Regner, J.B, Joseph Terlikar, Liam San Jose, Lianne Yearbury, Lynne Kells, Maggie Bell, Martin Weatherhead, Megan Fallow, Michela Cardamone, Poppy Egan, Romy Durrant, Samantha Martin , Steven Groves, Svetlana Kuznanoski
Artwork: Lisa Waup, oneness (detail), 2022
This exhibition is supported by:
Weniki Hensch • Ebony Hickey • Peter Waples-Crowe • Lisa Waup
The Dax Centre is committed to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health issues and psychological trauma through art. Supported by the City of Melbourne, The Dax Centre proudly presents Adopted, an exhibition traversing the lived experience of adoption by artists Weniki Hensch, Ebony Hickey, Peter Waples-Crowe, and Lisa Waup
These creative projects, based on autoethnography, delve into the makers' personal journey of meaning-making from the complexity of their lived experience. The discourse of adoption has historically been framed from the adopter’s perspective. This exhibition gives voice to the adoptee and their evolution. The result is a series of unique narratives that confront issues of social and emotional well-being, marginalisation, identity, belonging, and crossing cultural boundaries.
The Studio Dax Program is our new arts program offering pathways for artists at all levels – from those with no experience to those with a current art practice who are looking for a supportive place to develop their skills and become professional exhibiting artists!
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Wednesday to Friday - 11.00am to 3.30pm
30 Royal Parade, Parkville
"Your installation gave me a lot to think about, especially in relation to mental health and stigma. It is inspiring to see how you shine light on, and continue these important conversations."
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