Artists Explore Multifaceted Melville

From 10 July to 16 August 2009, Multiplicity – by artist printmakers Marion Pearson (Palmyra), Shelley Cowper (Sorrento), Aloma Berg (Wanneroo) and Susanne Hamlin-Sullivan (Stirling) – will showcase paintings and artist prints within the boundaries of a 30cm x 30cm format and multiples thereof.

Marion Pearson said all members of the group had degrees in Visual Arts and had exhibited widely between them. “We all belong to the Printmakers Association of WA and have exhibited together previously in group exhibitions. In this one, we have focused our attention on the City of Melville, each exploring an aspect of what is a multifaceted and diverse City through its culture, people, places, flora and fauna,” she said.

“Aloma and Shelley create traditional handmade artist prints, including etchings, linocuts, woodblocks, and collographs. Aloma’s focus for this exhibition has been on the once-common flora Caladenia and Diuris around river wetlands. Shelley’s motivation has been the marina and boatyard, looking at weathering, and the passage of time. Susanne works in photography and digital format. The use of Morse Code and the sweeping expanses of Wireless Hill and Heathcote Reserve form the inspiration for Susanne’s work in this exhibition,” she said.

“I use screen-printing techniques on my paintings. My work celebrates the wonderful abundance of parks and wild spaces that are so much a part of Melville. I have used remnant pieces of suburban maps, text from stories and poetry, and objects like dragonflies and leaves. Through the magic of modern technology, silk screens created from these objects – when combined with paint and imagination – provide works rich in texture and imagery,” she said.

Acting Curator Gina Capes said all four artists brought to the exhibition a distinct character. “This exhibition will provide an insight into the four artists' individual responses to the diversity of the City of Melville, through engaging imagery. By using various techniques including printmaking and painting, universal themes of emotion, memory, creativity and imagination will be on display for visitors to enjoy," she said.

Multiplicity is to be opened by Monart Art Gallery Director Mona Ketelsen on Friday, 10 July 2009 at 6.00pm. The exhibition is to run until Sunday, 16 August 2009.

Heathcote Museum and Gallery is located on Duncraig Road, Applecross. It is open Tuesday to Friday from 10.00am to 3.00pm, and on weekends from 11.00am to 3.00pm. Contact the gallery on 9364 5666.