The Mayoral Art Exhibition for 2022 is now exhibiting at Maroondah Federation Estate, with three thought-provoking pieces acquired for Council's permanent art collection.
The 27th annual Mayoral Art Exhibition is a fundraiser in support of the Bone Marrow Donor Institute, Croydon Branch, that gives local budding and professional artists a chance to showcase their talent to the broader Maroondah community.
The theme of this year's exhibition was Reflection, which encouraged artists to explore or reflect on recent challenges and, in a time of recovery and transition, upon hopes for the future.
Walking through the exhibition, Councillor Mike Symon, Mayor of Maroondah, said he could see the challenges the artists must have faced during this time.
"Reflection was a fitting theme for the past two difficult years, particularly for so many artists and creatives in our community and attracted many different approaches from our exhibiting artists.
"As this exhibition beautifully illustrates, artists have brought a range of styles and approaches to the theme of Reflection. We can see the unique interpretations explored across drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, photography, sculpture, embroidery and more," said Cr Symon.
2022 permanent collection acquisitions
Each year it is the privilege of the Mayor to select a small number of works from the submitted entries to be acquired for Council's Maroondah art collection.
"I extend my thanks to all the artists who have participated in the exhibition — your hard work and creative efforts have resulted in a really special and fascinating exhibition.
"What a difficult task it has been this year with such an outstanding array of artwork to choose from!" said Cr Symon.
Tiziana Borghese — Inner Reflection: War 22
Inner Reflection: War 22 mixes media, acrylic, collage, mirror and wood to create a piece that speaks to the trauma of the current conflict in Ukraine.
"The topicality and visual layering of this piece makes it an excellent addition to the permanent art collection.
"The artwork is comprised, not only of layers of collage behind glass; the frame is integral and the glass itself is fractured and repaired with the bold red tape across the image in a cross form that seems to cancel the violence of the cartoonographic figure," Cr Symon said.
Simone Melville — Stronger Together
Stronger Together is a sensitive work comprised of 94 delicate watercolour profiles.
"The work is both visually distinctive and powerful in its reflection and celebration of diversity.
"Another excellent addition to the collection," said Cr Symon.
Bron Elmore — Don't look away
Don't look away is a still-life of a scene where domestic items and personal possessions are symbols for nature, humanity and fragility in the context of climate change.
It incorporates a QR code which leads to the online source of the climate stripes famously created by climate scientist Ed Hawkins.
"The QR code of course is a device that has become so prominent as a source, not only of information, but as a form of public control during the pandemic.
"Again, a highly topical work," Cr Symon commented.
Visit Maroondah Federation Estate to see artwork from the Reflections exhibition until Friday 17 June 2022.
Mayoral Art Exhibition and the Bone Marrow Donor Institute
Council is proud to support the work of the Bone Marrow Donor Institute through the Mayoral Art Exhibition.
The exhibition plays a valuable role in helping to raise funds for the crucial work of the Bone Marrow Donor Institute and is a wonderful way of showcasing the diverse talents of all the participating artists.
Every one of the artists involved in Reflection have generously agreed to donate 25 per cent commission from the sale of their works to the Croydon Branch of the Bone Marrow Donor Institute.
