Seeking 1980s visual arts students

JEAN-MICHEL Basquiat and William De Kooning defined the artworld of the 1980s in New York.

Federation University’s Post Office Gallery is on the hunt for artists who may have not defined the decade but belong to the coterie of 1980s Visual Arts alumni who completed their studies in Ballarat.

The gallery is presenting Reload: Back to the 80s, an exhibition showcasing the work of graduates from the former School of Mines, Ballarat College of Advanced Education and Ballarat TAFE.

Curator Shelley Hinton said following the success of last year’s exhibition – Revamp: 50s, 60s and 70s Revisited – the gallery is excited about exhibiting the next decade of our Visual Arts graduates.

“We are looking for the widest range of work, ceramics, painting, sculpture, photography and video,” said Ms Hinton.

“Whether you still practice now, or whether you just want to blow the dust off a piece from back in the 1980s, we’d love to hear from you.”

Gallery assistant Lars Stenberg said over the summer when things quiet down at the University, one large group exhibition is programmed.

“A show of ex-students seemed to be a good idea,” said Mr Stenberg.

“We felt that this is a way to re-connect with the Visual Arts students that have gone through the various iterations of what is now Federation University.”

Mr Stenberg said the Gallery is hoping to show work from 30 artists, having used every channel they can think of to reach out to those who studied there in the 80s.

David Noonan, now living and working in London, whose art is in the Ballarat Art Gallery is without a doubt the most internationally recognised ex-student who will exhibit in the Reload event said Mr Stenberg.

Geoff Bonney well known for his community art projects work with Ratartat over the years will also be exhibiting.

Entry is free. For more information logon to federation.edu.au/pogallery/forthcomingexhibitions/reload.

Entries close Friday 23 November 2018.