Windows into a world in need

An art exhibition that reflects the theme of this year’s Kerferd Oration in Beechworth is being unveiled this week in shop windows in the town.

More than 25 pieces of art are on display in Beechworth windows from now until the Oration on Sunday, August 2, which this year is being delivered by the Chief Executive Officer of World Vision Rev Tim Costello AO. The title of his Oration, “Community Values for a World in Need”.

The curator of the exhibition, Pam Magennis, said last year’s inaugural exhibition, which reflected Professor Tim Flannery’s Oration on climate change, was such a resounding success that she wanted to continue the momentum.

“The idea developed last year taking art to the streets and using the window spaces. It makes art more accessible,” Pam said. “I’ve had such great support from both artists and the local traders. The traders were keen to be involved again, providing venues to exhibit the works and promoting the Kerferd Oration.”

Pam said viewing the art work on a self-guided tour, with details of pieces in a catalogue and also in the windows, was a “rich experience” using the streets of Beechworth in a different way. “Historically, Beechworth streets have seen many performances – parades, decorations, and festivals and now this art exhibition,” she said. “And it opens up a lot of conversations about the theme of the Kerferd Oration. Artists have looked at ‘the world in need’ in their pieces and we are asked to look at what our community values are in the light of this.”

The artists participating in the exhibition looked at their personal experiences, their thoughts about local and world events, about social justice issues, about family and also about the environment, which they see as intertwined with the need for social justice.

The art works are on display in shop windows in Camp and Ford Streets. Artists participating include Border photographer Rob Lacey whose work looks at identity and culture, and developing a sense of belonging and caring. Other artists include Jo Voigt, Ali Rowe, Lily Cunningham, Bronwyn Cossor, Mary Rosengren, Mary Ross, Kathy Whelan and Kerry Weymouth, Inga Hanover, Judy Hawking-Burnett and Vicki Luke.

Catalogues can be obtained from the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre in Ford Street. The Kerferd Oration is on Sunday, August 2, at 11am, at the Kerferd Conference Centre at La Trobe Beechworth. Doors open at 10.15am.

Caption: Photographer Rob Lacey finishes installing his series of photos, “Identity and Culture”, in the window of Beechworth Pharmacy.