Monash Memo - articles - 14 November 2001

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A cut-and-paste of student works

A display by 18 art and design students is currently on show at the Faculty Gallery, with some works drawing on emotions evoked by the recent terrorist attacks in America, according to gallery manager Mr Malcom Bywaters.

The exhibition, titled Work: Cut, Paste, Paint, Create, Burn, features works by students from the Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Applied Arts as well as honours and masters programs.

"The tragedy of New York cannot be ignored," Mr Bywaters said. "These artists were preparing to submit their folios, and whether they admit it or not they have all been affected."

For example, he said, Shaun Wilson reminds us of "the endless male fascination with all things military" in his sculptural work, 'The War of Disasters'.

Mr Bywaters said parallels to the American attacks could also be seen in other works.

"Clare Parish has produced a sculpture of a city office tower as a reminder of the lives lost in the collapse of the World Trade Centre, and Miles Brown's work reminds us of the safety of the home, albeit one now dominated by CNN."

The remaining artists attempt to offer a solution to a world changed by the tragedy, which is to remain positive and continue to create, paint on canvas, manipulate clay and dream, Mr Bywaters said.

"Nicole Durling's beautifully crafted, large gold ceramic locket and chain gives a radiance of decadence that is fragile and seductively luscious, and Irene Grishin-Selzer's delicate ceramic artworks reflect a subtle inspiration based on colour, beauty and light."

With more than 80 applications and the high quality of the artwork submitted, Mr Bywaters said, the role of exhibition curator had been made "more difficult but enjoyable".

Work: Cut, Paste, Paint, Create, Burn runs until 15 February at the Faculty Gallery at Caulfield campus. Gallery hours are 11 am to 5 pm, Mondays to Fridays. Admission is free.

Pictured: Art and design student Clare Parish with her work 'Building Blocks', a poignant reminder of the lives lost in the collapse of the twin towers.