July 30, 2018

Imagined Realities a new take on the everyday

Annual student creative arts exhibition now open

A new student-initiated art project called Imagined Realities not only features artworks from University of Wollongong (UOW) Creative Arts students, but has also been organised, curated and promoted by the students.

The exhibition, consisting of a wide range of media including photography, textiles, sculpture, painting and digital media, focuses on the theme of the reimagined and reinterpreted elements of our everyday world.

It is on show at the UOW School of the Arts, English and Media (TEAM) Blutack Gallery.

Students exhibiting their own art is art education’s best kept secret according to Dr Agnieszka Golda a senior lecturer in Contemporary Art at UOW.

“The exhibition is an important contribution to student learning. When students exhibit their own works, they learn new concepts and skills that are important to a comprehensive understanding of art.

“The whole process is left to the students themselves to organise, curate and promote their own art show.”

UOW students Erin Montgomery, Rhonda Murray and Cody Luke were involved in curating the show and said they approached the art exhibition organising everything from the theme name to inventing new ways of publicising the show.

“I have loved every aspect of creating the show. From bringing together the art of students, to presenting the art to the public, it’s very satisfying,” Erin said, who is in her third year of a Bachelor in Creative Arts.

Co-curator, Rhonda Murray explains that making students the centre of their own exhibition allows them to hone their social skills and add vitality to the project.

“Not only was the task fun, but I think we have transformed the gallery space into a wonderland of colourful creative artworks.”

Imagined Realities runs until 11 August, in the TAEM gallery, Building 25.

Imagined Realities not only features artworks from creative arts students, it has also been organised, curated and promoted by the students.