Gothic meets grace

By Matt Romania

The latest exhibition ‘Haunted & Holy Beauty’ at the Village in Bacchus Marsh, is set to captivate art enthusiasts.

Curated by local artist Heidi Bones, the unique showcase, and indeed experience, will be on display from 18 to 26 November 2023, with a special harp performance marking its opening on the evening of Friday 17 November (6pm-8pm).

Ms Bones said her exhibition “is essentially made up of artworks I term as sacred gothic art treasures.”

Heidi’s collection incorporates a diverse array of skeleton and skull-inspired prints.

“Some are like classical painting still life and others are reminiscent of finding lost treasure in an ancient rainforest,” she told the Moorabool News.

There will also be seven statues of the Icon Mary sitting on an altar covered in flowers, candles and jewels. While the skeleton and skull artworks are digital, the statues of the ‘Icon Mary’ are crafted from plaster.

“It will be a visually beautiful experience,” Ms Bones said.

“Within this culture, we don’t get exposed to skeletons and skulls in a way these will be presented. This is not about gore or horror. More about contemplating these hidden treasures within and the internal beauty we cultivate.”

Ms Bones said her motivation for the exhibition is a dream coming to life.

“I also wanted to do this in my local community because I love my community and wanted to celebrate art within it,” she said.

Initially drawn to music, she pursued study at university and subsequently toured nationally and internationally. She delved into photography, which became a passion for an extended period however, by the age of 32, the allure of digital art beckoned, adding another dimension to her repertoire.

“It is unlikely something like this has happened before in this community, so I hope it’ll be a cultural moment and long-term memory for us.”

Positioned at a shop space at The Village, fronting the undercover car park, the location is straightforward to find: simply turn right at the back doors.

More information can be found at https://iconsandbones.com