Geelong talent on show in state exhibition

The innovative works of three Geelong teenagers have been selected for Melbourne Museum’s annual Top Designs exhibition, a showcase of bold ideas from Victoria’s future designers.

Their designs, chosen for inclusion in the exhibition by an expert panel from nine different design disciplines, join those of 74 other students from schools across the state, with each work proposing new possibilities in sustainability, place, community and craftsmanship.

The works of Geelong High School’s Addison Kemp, Christian College Geelong’s T Evans and St Joseph’s College’s Charlie Scott are as varied as their creators.

 

 

Kemp, 18, has produced a graphic novel that explores the grief she experienced after losing her grandfather in 2022. Three months later, her cat, who she had spent most of her life with, also passed.

“It was weird for me to experience because I’d never lost anybody,” she said.

“I thought my graphic novel was probably the best way for me to put my thoughts into an artwork and actually reflect on that time period, because it’s so surreal when you lose someone.”

 

 

Although an emotionally challenging project, Kemp described the process of creating her drawings as “magical”.

“I didn’t want it to be just sad, I wanted it to be a lesson in finding beauty in grief and loss,” Kemp said.

For 18-year-old Evans, whose abdominal support belt is included in the Top Designs exhibition, it was a desire to help ease their loved ones’ experience with pain that inspired the product.

Dubbed the “snug”, the support belt uses heat and pressure to relieve lower back and abdominal pain caused by muscle strain, IBS, menstrual cramps, food intolerances and many other conditions.

 

 

The belt is designed to discretely house a heat bag, which can be strapped to the body with minimal interference, while its adjustable nature allows the wearer to alter pressure levels as required.

“My primary motivation behind this is for this product to be as useful to as many people as possible,” Evans said.

“I hope that people who experience abdominal or back pain will see my product in the exhibition and say ‘Oh, that is a great idea’ and then make one of their own.

“It’s incredibly special for me to be able to inspire the next generation of kids coming through product design.”

Meanwhile, Scott, 17, has designed a wine bar – complete with a physical model, brand identity and product packaging – inspired by the businesses that line Fitzroy’s bustling Gertrude Street.

 

 

His design offers a “modern twist” on the terrace houses with arched windows that fill the neighbouring streets.

Much like Kemp and Evans, he is thrilled to have his efforts recognised alongside the state’s top design students.

Top Designs 2025 will open at the Melbourne Museum in Carlton on March 29 and will run until July 20.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, head to museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum