Artist to paint, draw attention to wildlife conservation

VISUAL artist Stephanie Cartledge will aim to promote the plight of endangered Victorian animals and start conservation conversations as part of an exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ballarat later this year.

Conservation Status is expected to open in April and features a collection of hand-painted works depicting species including the brush-tailed rock wallaby and regent honeyeater.

“The exhibition will focus on eight endangered species native to Victoria,” she said.

“My artistic style can best be described as stylised, geometric and minimalistic. I use clean lines, bold compositions, and a harmonious balance of earthy tones and bright colours to portray the beauty and fragility of native species.

“This approach helps me create striking pieces that encourage curiosity and reflection.”

Cartledge’s goal is to engage the community in an urgent dialogue around wildlife conservation and protecting biodiversity locally.

“To further support this cause, I’ll be donating 10 per cent of exhibition profits to Zoos Victoria’s Fighting Extinction program,” she said.

“I hope audiences will be drawn to the unique combination of subject matter and artistic style. I also hope viewers leave with a greater awareness of these animals and the urgent need to protect them.”

The artist expressed interest in showing work in the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s Backspace Gallery.

“This invites submissions from artists throughout the year. I applied and was fortunate to secure this opportunity,” she said.

“It’s particularly meaningful because I previously worked at the Art Gallery of Ballarat as a graphic designer in 2018, making this experience feel like a full-circle moment.”