Rainbow show has a touch of darkness

THE Art Gallery of Ballarat’s Backspace is hosting the Ballarat Frolic Festival’s Dark Rainbow Art Show.

Presenting the vibrant, diverse work of 14 queer creatives who have responded to the darker theme of this year’s Festival, the exhibition celebrates unique LGBTIQA+ experiences, expression, and pride.

Sarah Hart is showing her visual art, For us, which is about the “extreme highs and lows” queer people often live through.

She is also the Ballarat Frolic Festival art and literature director.

“When we came to pool the artists together for this show, we thought, how can we harness the darkness of last year? We put this show in line with our Dark Rainbow festival theme, and asked artists to respond, which they certainly have,” she said.

“Art is a good release. We’ve been able to express some of the feeling we’ve had over the past year, and a lot of that ties in with hiding identity, and the difficulties of presenting in a particular way in a conservative area.

“It’s really important, particularly in a regional area, that we get this kind of exposure, support and backing. We’re pretty proud to be in what is probably the best regional gallery in Australia.”

Experimental work from abstract painter Corey Bartlett is inspired by the contrast between the darkness of anxiety and depression, and the “vibrancy” within LGBTIQA+ people and stories.

“There is a weight that society puts on queer and trans identities… but when the queer community gets together, it’s this explosion of difference and individuality that creates an awesome tapestry,” they said.

Yasmin Mata’s work Chameleon is a way for her to “show my true colours.” It explores the idea of “adapting to survive… learning to blend in,” and finding the strength to say, “this is who I am.”

Usually a performing artist, Daniel Lamech is making a photographic debut with his portrait Possession.

Art Gallery of Ballarat director Louise Tegart said the venue is “delighted” to host the show and be part of the Festival.

“Our Backspace Gallery is there to provide opportunities for early career artists in Ballarat and the region, and is a key way for the Gallery to connect with the Ballarat community,” she said.

“We have been working to make sure that the Gallery is culturally diverse and inclusive, and is broadly accessible within the community.

“Frolic Festival is a great initiative, helping to make LGBTIQA+ people more visible and more accepted in our community, and the Gallery is proud to be a part of that.”