Spotlight on unseen artists in Macedon Ranges

AN upcoming group exhibition aimed at showcasing emerging Ballarat artists will be held in the Macedon Ranges.

Beneath The Surface will be displayed at Kyneton Ridge Art Space from the beginning of March, featuring eight up-and-coming local creatives.

The show’s co-organiser, Karla Devlin, said the exhibition is about nurturing lesser-known Ballarat creatives.

“We’ve crafted this exhibition for artists who are not always in the spotlight,” she said.

“Recognising the need for visibility, we’ve emphasised a supportive environment where artists can experiment and grow their practice in response to a new theme.

“It’s also bringing new artists to Kyneton, facilitating an expanded reach and networking opportunities.”

Alongside Devlin, exhibiting artists will include co-organiser Genevre Becker as well as Lyndell Allen, Libby Drew, Seona Murnane, Fleur Nolan, Alec Robinson and Donna Saunders.

The idea for the show was sparked between Devlin and Becker following the former’s experiences in the Ballarat Arts Foundation’s mentorship program last year, where the latter served as her mentor.

“We got together once a month and worked on my exhibitions and how I could put my art out as an emerging artist,” Devlin said.

“At the end of it, we formed a connection, and said what can we do next, and thought we’d put the feelers out for other Ballarat artists that are emerging and maybe quiet like ourselves.

“A couple of the artists have exhibited but years ago; for myself, I started last year; Lyndell’s the same; Genevre’s new to the area.”

Mediums will vary from feltwork to prints to paints to featherwork.

Devlin said each creation will engage with the idea of appreciating the beauty lying beneath everyday imagery.

“It’s a collective response to the idea of slowing down and taking time to look beyond the obvious,” she said.

“It invites viewers to take a second glance to notice the often-overlooked beauty and detail in everyday life.”

Following its opening night from 4pm to 6pm on Saturday 1 March, Beneath The Surface will run until Sunday 6 April.