The Power of Art

Covid 19 has impacted the very cultural and artistic heart of our community. No longer could we, while staying home, access the theatre, see the newest movie or visit art galleries. Despite this loss, many attempted to continue distributing beautiful works online to us, maintaining a connection through profound creativity. In my exploration of these virtual galleries and tours, I came across Arts Project Australia. This is a gallery that endeavours to develop works from artists with an intellectual disability. What an incredible organisation! One that, encourages these individuals to share their unique perspective through art, making individuality and self-expression the forefront of their presentation to society.

A particular series of abstract pieces that I viewed by Michelle Coulson called "Picturesque" includelandscapes and urban scenes that really moved me. I felt like her use of interplaying colours fading into each other allowed for a bright lens of these spaces and that the soft lines she incorporated created an overall mosaic feel. In light of such fantastic works like these, it is no wonder that the organisation received the Arts and Culture Champion Award in the exclusive event on Channel Nine on Saturday the 21st of November 2020. Arts Project Australia regardless of the harsh circumstances of Covid19 continued to provide a space for artists with a disability to flourish and fulfil their quest for autonomy. Also facilitating the distribution of their artistic expressions imbued with personal views, experiences with stigma and soulful essence to the rest of the community.

So go take a look at some of the amazing virtual exhibitions, including the piece by Michelle Coulson above titled "Hong Kong Holiday". They can be found at https://www.artsproject.org.au/