Art students set the benchmark

A NEW exhibition at the Post Office Gallery is showcasing the work of Federation University Australia students enrolled in the Bachelor of Visual Arts.

Benchmark 24 includes a diverse range of works from the units offered in first semester and aims to highlight students’ creative journey.

“I have really enjoyed meeting creative people from all different walks of life,” said student Sheila-Ann Kors.

“I’ve learnt a lot not just from the course but from my classmates and lecturers as well.”

Kors’ work focuses on her experience of chronic pain, and she said feedback has been positive.

“I’m exploring chronic pain through embroidery and thread art as I am someone who does suffer from chronic pain,” she said.

“The pins and the thread sort of represents blood and how you feel after being tested and poked and prodded.

“I think people have got a lot more out of it than I was anticipating, and I didn’t go into too much detail with it because I wanted people to interpret and have their own thoughts on it.”

The exhibition allows students to experience what it’s like to have work curated, preparing them for future opportunities.

“It really gives you support and guidance and the confidence to step out and look for other exhibitions,” said Kors.

“It celebrates everybody’s achievements because it’s not just the third years, its first and second years, and part time and full-time students.

“It’s really great to see where everyone is and what they’re exploring.”

The exhibition will be open until Sunday 25 August.