28th Annual Mayoral Art Exhibition acquisitions announced

The Mayoral Art Exhibition for 2023 is now open at Maroondah Federation Estate, with three new pieces acquired for Council’s permanent art collection.

The Mayoral Art Exhibition is a yearly fundraiser for the Bone Marrow Donor Institute and is supported by Maroondah City Council and the Ringwood East Community Bendigo Bank.

This year’s theme, Interior | Exterior, invited artists in an open call-out to submit works of all mediums to explore interior and exterior worlds — from architecture to open space or with portraits, depicting an outer appearance to capture an inner self. All works submitted are exhibited.

Each year, the Mayor selects a small number of works from the submitted entries to be acquired for Council’s Maroondah Art Collection.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Rob Steane, thanked artists for their entries and said selecting this year’s acquisitions was particularly challenging.

“Thank you to all of the artists who have taken part in this year’s Mayoral Art Exhibition. It’s been wonderful to see so many artists sharing their talents, with a huge range of styles and approaches to the theme. Your passion, creativity and dedication have helped create a fantastic exhibition,” Cr Steane said.

“With such an incredible range of artworks to choose from, it’s been quite a challenge to select a small number of works!”

Kari Henriksen, a ‘weather-watcher’ who has always been fascinated by clouds, said Weather Watching depicts how clouds are “elusive, subject to constant change, shape-shifting and in flux” which “metaphorically mirrors the uncertain times we are currently experiencing with climate change.”

“My aim is to document my observations of the weather I have experienced at specific moments that are poised to change from one state to another. The challenge is to convey the sense of light and atmospheric phenomenon while simultaneously wishing to communicate the metaphorical notions embodied in my chosen subject-matter,” Kari said.

Xiao Yu Bai’s Study of Dao #25 allows the viewer to “experience the mystery of Dao” while feeling “calmness, movement, vital energy and contemplation.”

“Dao is the fundamental substance of the universe that cannot be divided. The space of Dao is boundless, and time has no beginning and end. It is silent and soothing. It is included within everything. The sky and earth come from the Dao. Dao is like the grandmother of everything,” Xiao said.

Althea Wong said The Lovers expresses “the delights and turbulences of life, playfully connecting with the viewer through absurdity and humour.”

“The Lovers reflects the charming ideal of an innocent love and intimacy — something that I myself desire,” Althea said.

Early Spring Robin by Afrika James was chosen as the 2023 Bendigo Bank Ringwood East Community Bank Acquisition.

“I’m so proud to be a part of the Mayoral Art Exhibition and to be the recipient of the Bendigo Bank acquisition. I’m especially grateful that this painting can help support the Bone Marrow Donor Institute. It’s a cause close to my heart,” Afrika said.

Council is proud to support the work of the Bone Marrow Donor Institute through the Mayoral Art Exhibition.

The Mayoral Art Exhibition helps raise funds for the crucial work of the Bone Marrow Donor Institute while showcasing the wonderful talents of all participating artists.

All artists involved in the Interior | Exterior exhibition have generously agreed to donate 25 per cent commission from the sale of their works to the Croydon Branch of the Bone Marrow Donor Institute.

Visit the Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery to view the 28th Mayoral Art Exhibition until Friday 28 April.

You can also enjoy other acquisition highlights at the Yours: The Maroondah City Council Art Collection exhibition currently on show at ArtSpace at Realm, Ringwood until Sunday 21 May.