 Image taken by The Herald Sun for their article - March 2007 |
About Face
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Introduction
by Ivor Edwards, Project Manager
Exhibitions of portraiture are not new but the approach taken by this group is refreshing - perhaps even unique - in its concept and starting point.
When About Face premiered at Glen Eira City Council Gallery in Melbourne during March 2007, more than 2500 visitors experienced what was a startlingly original approach in concept portraiture and a brave, challenging and honest expression of a shared journey. Over almost two years each of the six artists completed a portrait of each other plus a self-portrait. The portraits were done in individual sittings in random order so that dynamics of time, place, life events, family processes and personal issues all became independent variables in the end result of each work, reflecting and vitalizing the sense of journey undertaken by each artist and subject.
The exhibition thus comprises 36 interrelated large portraits in which six groups of six single-subject images meld to a gestalt of six different yet unified individuals. What gives such power and authenticity to the exhibition is the unique point of view from which the works are created: In About Face the artist is not merely recording this process but germinal to it - both subject and artist, at once looking out and looking in. Yet there are wider and more subtle connections to be seen between each set as well. The short textual comments supporting each work hint at issues attending each artist's journey through this project as well as the developing reflections and professional respect within, and for the group.
by Ivor Edwards, Project Manager
Exhibitions of portraiture are not new but the approach taken by this group is refreshing - perhaps even unique - in its concept and starting point.
When About Face premiered at Glen Eira City Council Gallery in Melbourne during March 2007, more than 2500 visitors experienced what was a startlingly original approach in concept portraiture and a brave, challenging and honest expression of a shared journey. Over almost two years each of the six artists completed a portrait of each other plus a self-portrait. The portraits were done in individual sittings in random order so that dynamics of time, place, life events, family processes and personal issues all became independent variables in the end result of each work, reflecting and vitalizing the sense of journey undertaken by each artist and subject.
The exhibition thus comprises 36 interrelated large portraits in which six groups of six single-subject images meld to a gestalt of six different yet unified individuals. What gives such power and authenticity to the exhibition is the unique point of view from which the works are created: In About Face the artist is not merely recording this process but germinal to it - both subject and artist, at once looking out and looking in. Yet there are wider and more subtle connections to be seen between each set as well. The short textual comments supporting each work hint at issues attending each artist's journey through this project as well as the developing reflections and professional respect within, and for the group.
Purchase the book to read more about this exceptional journey - CLICK HERE.
Galleries visited on the tour
- Glen Eira City Council Gallery - Glen Eira, Victoria 2007
- Victorian Artists' Society - Melbourne, Victoria 2007
- Bundaberg Arts Centre - Bundaberg, Queensland 2008
- Wangarrata Regional Gallery - Wangaratta, Victoria 2008
- Latrobe Regional Gallery - Morwell, Victoria 2009/10