Exhibition looks beyond the pandemic

Published on 30 July 2020

An outdoor gallery of artworks created by two young local artists in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been established in the heart of Hobart’s city centre.

An exhibition titled Beyond the Pandemic features eight artworks created by photographer Jake Seabourne and digital artist Malachi Johns.

The works are displayed at Art on Victoria – a community-focused outdoor gallery curated by the City of Hobart’s Youth Arts and Recreation team. 

Initially designed in response to graffiti vandalism, the gallery now forms an extension to the existing Youth ARC gallery, providing a high-profile exhibition space for young artists.

The exhibition theme – as the title suggests – is focused on life ‘beyond the pandemic’ and responds to the feelings associated with physical isolation and other restrictions imposed by COVID-19.

Artist Jake Seabourne, whose work comprises a series of photographic self-portraits, said the exhibition gave him the opportunity to express his view of the world at the height of the pandemic’s local impact.

“My original plan for this year, which was to do a shoot in a studio, got thrown out the window when we went into lockdown,” he said. “Through this project, I’ve tried to capture the feeling of emptiness and being unsure about how to adapt during the pandemic.”

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the exhibition was an opportunity for the young artists to contribute to the social recovery of the city, while showcasing their talents to a wider audience.

“Creative expression is such an important outlet when faced with any traumatic event, benefiting both the artist and the viewer,” Cr Reynolds said. “These works respond to a shared experience to which we all have a personal connection.

“The exhibition is in a high-traffic public location and it will be in place for six months, so everyone has the opportunity to admire the skill and creativity of these very talented young artists.”