Show signals new art group

A NEW art collective consisting of local creatives have announced their arrival with a show at Art Space Ballarat.

Called Future Proof, the exhibition was launched earlier this month and showcases the works of seven established visual artists as part of the Bread and Roses group.

Member, Heather Horrocks said the show is highlighting a shared cause between the members.

“All the artists have tried to tread lightly on the earth and all have an environmentally conscious practice,” she said.

“As artists, we care about the future and art has the capacity to make strong statements about where we should be as human beings.

“An interesting thing has happened where each artist’s work has a relation with each other artist. When you walk in, you can see a commonality of talent, interest, and shape.

“It’s about artists speaking on social concern.”

Alongside Horrocks, Bread and Roses includes Patrick Duffy, Sylvia Aquirre, Jessica Schroeter, Keith Low, Scott Fredricks, and Julie Mahnken.

The show features more than 30 pieces ranging from Duffy’s signature cardboard creations to ceramics, prints, and even a suspended spider’s
web Horrocks created using her distinguishable crocheted video tape method.

Horrocks said the group’s name is in reference to their collective artistic exploration.

“Bread and roses is a mantra of the early International Women’s Day women who were textile workers in America who struck for higher pay and more status,” she said.

“They said ‘give us bread, but give us roses’ so we see the necessity for shelter and warmth but also to have the pleasure of art and play and recreation.

“That’s where we think art fits in. It’s as important as bread. You have to feed your soul as well as feeding your body. ”
Future Proof will remain on display until Sunday 5 May.