Swords to clash on canvas

THE classical era of knights and medievaldom will be on display this weekend at the Old Butchers Shop Gallery as part of visual artist Emily Hearn’s debut solo Ballarat show.

Exhibiting under the pseudonym Emily N3ver, Hearn will showcase more than 20 pieces of pen and ink works depicting chivalric knights, horses, fantasy, and armour.

Having been raised by creative parents, she’s been blending her love of art and medieval fantasy for the past five years as a knight’s squire at Kryal Castle.

She said her new show is in homage to her combined interests.

“The major theme is around the rich tapestry between the parallels of medieval history and our own unique history in Ballarat,” she said.

“Particularly with Kryal celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, getting to work alongside real knights and legends has been a real inspiration for me.

“I really wanted to honour the tales of these people I know and love so well who have literally risen above adversity to become modern-day knights.

“I’m hugely inspired by medieval woodcuts and etchings so I’ve replicated that with crosshatching and contrast. Much like the themes of light and dark, there’s that balance and dichotomy too.”

Called Ad Astra Per Aspera, the exhibition’s title is named after Hearn’s “family credence,” which translates to “through hardships to the stars,” and is in reference to the Latin mottos used by knights to this day.

The show will launch on Saturday at 2pm with the works to be accompanied by three Kryal Castle knights clad in full armour, as well as three horses.

Having moved to Ballarat a year ago, Hearn said she’s excited to introduce herself more to the region.

“I used to do the commute from the castle to Melbourne so I’m very happy to be based in Ballarat now,” she said.

“I’m very fortunate to have this opportunity to showcase how much love I have for being accepted here by the arts community and being a part of it.”

Hearn has previously exhibited internationally, and is set to undertake an artist’s residency at the Chateau d’Orquevaux in France next year.

Ad Astra Per Aspera will be on show until Sunday 25 February.