A new exhibition is on at the Spectrum Project Space on the ECU Mount Lawley campus, led by Disability in the Arts, Disadvantage in the Arts, Australia or DADAA for short, a registered NDIS provider that works with disadvantaged Western Australians, through large scale projects, arts and culture. The exhibition titled ‘Here Now 24-Artists in Wonderland’ encompasses work of eleven disabled West Australians, attempting to express themselves through Art, as part of the organisation as well as being a part of the 2024 Fringe World Festival.
Artists with a range of disabilities worked through individual and group workshops tailored to their abilities, thus creating this vast and broad exhibition here on the Mount Lawley Campus.
Exhibition Curator and DADAA Arts worker Shelley Elkins is proud to see the work done by those at DADAA shown off in such a way here at ECU.
“I had the privilege of collaborating, mentoring and watching each of these artists emerge and develop spectacular arts practices over the span of ten years and serve as a witness to their remarkable artistic journeys.”
With that journey Shelley has come to understand what works best for each individual and the power Art brings those at DADAA.
“When it comes to their health and barriers, Art is a good outlet to express themselves, you don’t need prior experience to become a good Artist, you’ve just got to find what works well for you and what you love about it.”
“A lot of people come to us (DADAA) for the respite and therapeutic side of Art but then surprise themselves with what they can achieve with their Art.”
The exhibition isn’t just for the eyes of ECU students and those walking through campus, this exhibition is a part of the Fringe World Festival for 2024 and is also an award-winning exhibition from last year’s event.
“This exhibition is designed around the fact that everything is so different… we wanted to showcase some artists in their own little worlds, with that the theme of ‘Artists in Wonderland’ is to mix a whole different styles, themes, and concepts.”
However, it isn’t all positive news for the exhibition, with those involved wanting to see more people walk through the gallery.
“We’ve got on average maybe between ten and twenty people come in… you have to know it’s here to come in… it would be nice to get more traffic.”
One of the artists featured is Kelly Grant, who is proud to see her work and other DADAA Artists on show at the ECU Gallery.
“This is the first time the Midland group (of DADAA) has had the honour of being able to exhibit.”
With the individual Artists having their own themes, Kelly’s is sustainability focused and doesn’t use pieces that have to be paid for, thus her artwork gives items a second life.
“Even the most beautiful of things have imperfections, with that in mind, those things, when nurtured, can be even more beautiful”.
It is these ideas from the Artists that brings the exhibition alive and makes it a must see event for all ECU students.
The exhibition is on until 6th March 2024, with a Floor Talk with some of the Artists to be held on Wednesday 28th February between 12:30pm-1:30pm.
For any questions or queries go to the DADAA website or head over to the Project Spectrum Space and see the gallery for yourself.
