Local talent on show

COLOURFUL and vibrant artworks which include a message are featured in a new exhibition in the New Talent Artspace at the Naracoorte Art Gallery.

Naracoorte artist Gorgia Sealey has hung 15 works in the show titled The Evolution of the Woman and on opening night, eight of these paintings were sold.

Ms Sealey describes herself as self-taught and prefers to create works with texture, messiness and character.

After growing up on a farm at Casterton, Ms Sealey attended Monivae College in Hamilton where she studied studio art for her Victorian Certificate of Education and received a study score award.

At university she completed a primary school teaching degree and always having had an interest in studying art therapy, she completed a diploma in the subject externally.

Her first teaching post was at Nhill where she taught for three years before moving to a position at St Malachy’s School in Edenhope.

Ms Sealey has taught a variety of year levels and for the past two years has been a whole school art teacher.

The Naracoorte gallery exhibition was ‘born of anger, reflection and ultimately empowerment’.

” I began this collection in 2024 when it seemed violence and disrespect towards women in the Australian media was unavoidable,” Ms Sealey said.

“In a country considered developed and progressive, it was confronting to see how deeply ingrained these issues still are.”

The works on show draw inspiration from well-known female figures who were historically framed as villains, seductresses or insane due to lack of understanding.

One work entitled Cowgirl Collection shows a fun collection of cowgirl essentials and the quote ‘Ride Hard, Hold Strong.’.

Ms Sealey said the picture suggests that women should ride on into the sunset at full tilt and hold strong on their beliefs.

She said the collection started from nowhere and just happened.

She did not anticipate selling the works but kept creating and she was delighted with the opening night sales.

Ms Sealey’s exhibition is at the Naracoorte Gallery until February 22. The Gallery is open Wednesday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 3pm.