A new Artists on View exhibition will offer the local community and visiting art lovers a glimpse into contemporary Mexican artists in a group show of eclectic styles and contrasting approaches.
United Artists of Mexico and Bendigo (Artistas Unidos de México y Bendigo) showcases works by contemporary Mexican artists paired with new works from local artists.
Inspired by Bendigo Art Gallery's exclusive exhibition, Frida Kahlo: In her own image, this exhibition explores how the works of Mexican artists reflect the theme of identity, nationality and the legacy left behind by Frida Kahlo.
A variety of Bendigo artists were then invited to creatively respond to the visual and thematic elements, making for a unique cultural exchange and experience.
Mexican artists exhibiting include Deniol Alva, Jose-Octavio Ortiz, Ulises Reséndiz, and Lizette Vieyra.
Bendigo artists range from those who have never exhibited to those well established in the central Victoria art community, and include Bodes, Salena Cummins, Chris Duffy, Sharon Greenaway, Amanda Peluso, Sally Poltrock, Avery Montgomery Reid, Molly Rule, Aimé Sacrez, Ivan Sun, Claire Tennant, Kristine Von Hilderbrandt and David Waters.
Exhibition curator Ivan Sun said the exhibition was a wonderful mix of works that reflect perspectives and preoccupations of Mexico today.
"It's very moving how the Mexican artists convey the legacy left behind by Frida Kahlo. As curator, I invited local artists to creatively respond to the Mexican artists' visual elements and themes, creating a unique cultural exchange and experience," Mr Sun said.
"Contemporary works include paintings, photography, video, sculpture, fashion and textile design pieces that celebrate her creative legacy.
"By joining Mexican artists with local creatives, we invite all exhibiting to extend their creative range, form new connections and celebrate culture."
Bendigo Venues & Events Manager Julie Amos said the installation is the perfect accompaniment to the blockbuster Bendigo Art Gallery exhibition.
"Frida Kahlo is one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, and her work still resonates worldwide today," Ms Amos said.
"Just like Frida, this Artists on View exhibition is vibrant, colourful and challenges our thinking and interpretation of contemporary artworks.
"It's a terrific blend of international and local talent, highlighting Mexican culture, and I encourage the community to visit Dudley House and explore the works on display."
United Artists of Mexico and Bendigo (Artistas Unidos de México y Bendigo) is free to attend and open daily from June 12 to June 23, 11am to 6pm at Dudley House, 60 View Street, Bendigo.
Community members are also invited to an exhibition launch on Saturday June 14, from 1pm to 3pm.
The launch will include a traditional Huipils display from different Mexican regions, dancing and fashion modelling from Mexbourne Dance Troupe, mariachi singer Sergio Garcia, piñata smashing, a runway set by Bendigo designer of stage and film Kristine Von Hilderbrandt, food and refreshments organised by Tlatoani Australia.
The United Artists of Mexico and Bendigo (Artistas Unidos de México y Bendigo) exhibition is supported by the City of Greater Bendigo's Artists on View program. It is also part of Fiesta Bendigo, the City's marketing destination program to complement the gallery's Frida Kahlo exhibition and entice visitors to the region with attractions and experiences.
