The experiences of refugees and immigrants in Australia are the subject of a powerful new exhibition at Eltham Library Community Gallery.
Journey's End, which is now open through to 1 August, presents a collection of more than 50 paintings, poems and laceworks crafted by immigrants. One artist is currently in mandatory detention, while other artists are now living in the community.
Cr Geoff Paine, who is chair of Nillumbik's Arts Advisory Committee, said Journey's End is an example of the Shire's continued support of the arts.
"The exhibition is a great opportunity for the Nillumbik community to gain an insight into the lives and experiences of immigrants and asylum seekers through their art," Cr Paine said.
"These artists are painting, writing and making works of incredible skill and are sometimes painfully beautiful."
The art of asylum seekers from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Iran are among the works on display, including paintings created by self-taught artist Naser Moradi, who is in mandatory detention at the Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation (MITA). The Hazara asylum seeker has been detained in Australia for over six years.
Exhibition curator and artist Bronwyn Bain said, "Naser's use of bright colours reminds me of images in a child's picture book of places that don't exist. There is a tension there, as if he has landed on another planet, and is so terribly alone. There is no way he can escape, and even though it is a beautiful place, the planet he wants to be on is thousands of light years away."
In addition to Moradi, works by Rim Telo, Sriharan Ganeshan and Farhad Bandesh offer unique insight to the artists' experiences of immigration, detention and life in an unfamiliar land, through powerful visual mediums.
Two of Bain's works will form part of the exhibit, created in response to her own experiences of visiting detained asylum seekers at MITA.
Letters written by advocates and activists, demonstrating their support of refugees' efforts in seeking safety and a meaningful life in Australia, appear alongside the artworks. Prominent barrister and refugee advocate Julian Burnside AO QC is among contributors to the written component of the exhibition.
Journey's End is on display at the Eltham Library Community Gallery, Panther Place, Eltham until 1 August. Entry is free. nillumbik.vic.gov.au/ELCG
Image: "Paradise" by Naser Moradi.
