Floating into town

A PROJECT conceived during lockdown has sailed onward and upward, becoming far more than its original concept for contemporary sculptor Beatrice Magalotti.

Stage 4 lockdown in August 2020 hit Melbourne hard. Originally announced for 42 days, Melburnians were limited to travel within a 5km radius, and only allowed to leave home for four reasons. An 8pm to 5am curfew was also imposed.

For artist Beatrice Magalotti, based in her home studio, 42 days, 42 boats, 42 installations became her response to this and focused her time and energy.

She created 42 ceramic boats – one for each day of the lockdown – then proceeded to photograph them in different environments firstly within her 5km radius, and beyond once restrictions relaxed.

These images were shared across the globe digitally on Instagram and developed a following.

“Movement was restricted but not imagination,” Magalotti said.

A realisation that “I couldn’t leave Australia, but my boats could” grew the project further, she said.

“Reaching out to other female contacts around the globe, we collaborated. The boats travelled the world, making connections. They were photographed in Australia, Europe and America, forming a diverse collection of images.”

As a daughter of immigrants, travel and migration have long been themes of Magalotti’s artistic career, alongside exploring Greek and Norse mythology.

Her work has been exhibited at Yering Station Sculpture Exhibition and several Melbourne galleries, winning prizes at Rutherglen Art Prize 2021, Melbourne Society of Women Painters & Sculptors (MSWPS) 2020 & 2017, Contemporary Sculptors Association (CSA) Member show 2020, and the 2017 Yering Station Sculpture Prize.

She has gone onto to compile several the images into a book and physically exhibit the boats, book and a selection of the photographs together in a travelling exhibition.

From August 5-28, 42 days, 42 boats, 42 installations will visit the Hive Gallery in Ocean Grove, with the opening and Magalotti’s discussion of her project to be held on Saturday, August 6 from 2-4pm.

As a special extra for the exhibition, Magalotti will run art workshops at the Ocean Grove Primary School to make more boats with the Art Group and teacher Jo Chapman. These will also be displayed at The Hive, adding to the connection and inclusion, and demonstrating new ways to engage during a pandemic that often limits us.

The Hive Gallery is located at 41 Smithton Grove, Ocean Grove.

For more information, head to thehiveoceangrove.com.au

Magalotti created 42 ceramic boats – one for each day of the lockdown.

A travelling exhibition of the boats is coming to The Hive Gallery.