Exhibition chronicles artist’s ‘bittersweet’ life change

11 April, 2023

“Noise” has been transformed into art in Michelle York’s first solo exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

Mushy – opening on Friday, 21 April – will give viewers a “glimpse” into Ms York’s  “innermost thought processes” as she made the move to Newcastle after calling Gunnedah home for 30 years.

Ms York said she felt “drawn to document the process and preserve the memories surrounding this change”, so her exhibition pieces capture “details and memories” from Gunnedah and “the path to my new home-away-from-home” in the metropolis.

“My internal dialogue was full of noise as I came to terms with the bittersweet feelings of moving,” Ms York said.

“I felt drawn to document the process and preserve the memories surrounding this change. Through the expressive capability of mark-making in art, I was able to deeply examine my emotions about this transition. Guided by intuition and spontaneous movement, my feelings were pulled forward organically and translated onto the canvas.

“My childhood and memories from Gunnedah are so special to me; I wanted to document the process of moving as it is such an important part of my story.” 

Mushy will feature 40 works of mixed media, combining digital and traditional techniques to create abstract pieces, and is self-titled.

The unique name is drawn from the nickname she is known by among her friends in Gunnedah.

“Mushy” has been painting since she was a child and grew up in a creative environment.

“My mum was a talented, creative soul and always nurtured artistic expression. In high school, I was blessed with inspiring, encouraging teachers and it was my favourite subject. Their advice still often comes to mind when I paint now,” Ms York said.

“During different stages of my life, my friends have given me the courage to dive into my work and have supported me in pursuing my passion. Transitioning my hobby into a career is a transformative experience I am still journeying through.

“Painting and creating helps me process my thoughts in a productive way and brings me so much peace. I am constantly seeking inspiration, whether in person, through memories, media, or very often these days, online.

“My phone, computer, and sketch books are continually filling with ideas and concepts. Part of me thinks I have no say in the matter any more — I will always find a way to create.”

Mushy will open at 6pm on Friday, 21 March at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 81 Chandos Street and will continue until Wednesday, 24 May.

Caption:

Mushy is Michelle York’s first solo exhibition and documents her life-altering move from her home town of Gunnedah to her “new home-away-from home” in Newcastle.

Michelle York’s love of painting stems from childhood. Images: supplied.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or [email protected].