Local artists share experiences of pandemic in new exhibition

The reopening exhibition at Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah (CASM), Reflections - COVID- 19, has allowed local artists to explore their feelings and share stories and experiences of the global pandemic.

Officially opened by Mayor Rhys Williams and Mandurah MLA David Templeman at the CASM gallery on August 30, Reflections features 50 new artworks by close to 90 local artists, all drawing on personal or observational experiences during isolation.

The works are featured across two venues, CASM and the Mandurah Community Museum, with artists’ stories told through a range of mediums including paintings, print, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics, textile, installation and multi-media.

Chloe Forster with ‘Journey Inwards’. PIC: Daniel Wilkins

The Museum is also exhibiting a history of COVID- 19, and a series of nine oral interviews conducted during the restrictions period.

Mayor Williams said due to COVID, a number of exhibitions and events were postponed during CASM’s six-month closure, but it was exciting to have reopened the arts hub with the new display of works.

“Many facets of our community life were majorly disrupted and put on hold during the pandemic, and our arts community were no exception,” he said.

“Australia’s creative sector has been one of the hardest hit industries throughout this time, with galleries and theatres closing across the nation. As a City, we’re always looking for ways we can connect with and support our local creative sector, as this will help to improve the health and wellbeing of our community during the recovery phase.

“During CASM’s closure, our arts and culture staff worked alongside local artists and volunteers to build opportunities for involvement and support their health and wellbeing. It’s great to see our amazing artistic community getting out there again and sharing their works with us all.

“I’d encourage everyone to head along to the Museum and CASM to check out these incredible pieces, as they are very moving and reflect the hard times we’ve all recently been through.”

Reflections also includes the Art on the Fence – COVID-19 outdoor exhibition, with 80 artworks by community groups, young artists, school children and families adorning the fence outside the CASM gallery for all to see. Mandurah residents were encouraged to create artworks on recycled corflute signage, portraying how they spent their time during the isolation period.

Reflections explores many different concepts including the evolution of disease, insurgence of fear, local heroes, joy in unexpected scenarios, psychological impact, new opportunities, the digital age, family, building relationships, and unprecedented acts of kindness, among others.

For example, artist Alana Grant has created an installation in the jail cells at the Museum, reflecting her reality of being a sole caregiver to two school aged children during the pandemic, and that home was a place she felt safe, yet anxious and alone.

Alana Grant and Jean-Michelle Maujean with ‘Willow Bend Don’t Break’. PIC: Daniel Wilkins

Paul Fleetham’s series of manipulated graphic posters focus on the power that advertising has on our knowledge, understanding and beliefs, while James Walker’s sculpture reflected his behaviour of gathering defences to build barricades before gathering his senses.

Artworks by Random Palette and Alasdair Wardle. PIC: Daniel Wilkins

Reflections – COVID-19 will be showcased at CASM and the Mandurah Community Museum until Sunday, September 28.

The Museum is open from Tuesday to Sundays, 10am – 5pm and CASM is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm.

‘Out on a Limb’ by Tich Dixon. PIC: Daniel Wilkins