TOP ARTS 2018
Former students Emmerson Daniels and Tahlia Hayes will have their works included in the prestigious Top Arts exhibition at NGV Australia at Federation Square until 15 July.
The exhibition showcases the exceptional work of 54 students who have completed Art or Studio Arts as part of their VCE in 2017, encompassing drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, digital and mixed media. Emmerson and Tahlia were among more than 2200 applicants. The final 54 were chosen from a shortlist of 136 works, having provided their folios to a five-person panel.
The exhibition includes the opportunity to view selected developmental folios and to hear from exhibitors about their inspiration, ideas and practices
Emmerson’s work Uniformity (pictured) is an acryclic paint on birchwood panel of green garbage bins, put out on the kerb for collection each week.
“In the context of my work this theme relates to the overall similarity and lack of variation that is evident in everyday life,” Emmerson said in the exhibition notes.
“These bins represent the oppressed individuality that is present in all of us as we disguise our distinctions with more socially accepted facades. This is evident as the context of each bin is drastically unique and different, however, such variance is shielded by bland, mediocre frontage.”
Emmerson is studying Fine Art at RMIT this year.
“I hope that through this course I will get a job using the skills I have learnt as an artist and also continue to make art for both myself and to sell,” Emmerson said.
Tahlia’s work Plates represents the ritual of eating. Photographing what was left behind on her plate after eating every meal for three weeks became a ritual in itself for Tahlia, with some of the 72 shots arranged into a grid and printed onto duratran film then attached to the front of a lightbox.
“I was fascinated by the aesthetics of the before, during and after moments of consuming food. What was left behind after eating was most intriguing to me as it clearly showed the evidence that a ritual has been performed,’’ Tahlia said.
“I found it interesting how the actual process of photographing the plates became a new ritual of its own. This was challenging at first as I had to break the habit of putting away and cleaning my plate. The commitment to the full 72 photos was also a challenge.”
When Tahlia submitted her application, she said that she planned to continue as a photographer part-time in 2018 and to study full-time dance and musical theatre.
Teacher Denver Carron said the exhibition represents the cream of the crop and many of those selected for the exhibition go on to study at the best fine arts schools in Australia and have successful careers as professional artists.
“Their success is our success,” Mr Carron said, adding the College was thrilled to have two students selected in the final 54.
The free exhibition is open 10.00am-5.00pm daily until 15 July at NGV Australia, Ian Potter Centre, Federation Square.
Photo Credit.
In the image gallery below you will see a portrait of artist Tahlia Hayes with her work Plates 2017 currently on display in Top Arts 2018 at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square. Photo by Sam Wong.
