Ararat Gallery TAMA’s latest community-driven exhibition offers thought-provoking art that explores themes surrounding climate change.

Year-nine art students from Marian College, Ararat, have created relief sculptural works in response to how they have seen climate change affect their environment.

The college’s head of art, Barbara Venn, guided 10 students through a challenging project inspired by Australian sculptor John Davis, whose works expressed concern for the landscape.

“Students were tasked with creating a relief sculpture using materials such as found-sticks and objects, paper, modroc and bitumen paint,” Mrs Venn said.

“The process started with students creating a design in their visual journals and then forming a framework for the modroc and additional materials.

“Each piece offers a glimpse into the environmental concerns of our students – the works represent the impact of climate change, from the impact on animals and their habitats such as our bees and koalas to pollution found in the ocean.

“Our students took a two-pronged approach to their works, the dark paint layer plays on the tension caused by climate change on our natural world while still including a piece of cut paper which symbolises a glimmer of hope for the future.”

Ararat Rural City mayor Jo Armstrong said art could be used as an innovative medium for awareness and help start a conversation within our community. 

“The gallery’s community wall truly champions community access to the arts,” she said.

“It’s important for cultural venues to give young artists opportunities to display their work.”

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