SHEPPARTON Art Museum (SAM) have unveiled their latest exhibition, COVID-Collaborations: A Shared Step on a Long Journey, an art movement initiated by Goulburn-Valley artist, William Kelly.
28 artists and poets from around the world have collaborated using an artistic template designed by Kelly, with each artwork conveying their deeply personal but also shared experience of the pandemic.
The resulting creations express commonalities and confrontations felt around the globe – working from home and isolating with our household, progress and pivoting, peace and war, mask wearing and germ eradication.
The show has received critical praise from Nobel Laureate Professor, Peter Doherty, who recognised the importance of research in creative arts practice, and how art can heal our hearts, bodies, and mind.
This exhibition is in partnership with the Shepparton Festival, and a continuation of 2021’s program, which saw the artworks projected on SAM’s façade during the dark winter.
“There’s something about this collaboration that can truly connect with each and every one of us. The works show a deep connection (near and far) to a point in time of individual struggle, resilience, and personal growth. What a brilliant concept by Bill and effort to engage all these artists from around the world,” said Jamie Lea, creative director of Shepparton Festival.
“William Kelly has captured a snapshot of life across the world at the peak of the pandemic and as we continue to live with COVID, the project COVID-Collaborations highlights how far we have come. The exhibition shines a light on how we have managed to stay connected across borders, language, and beliefs,” said SAM exhibitions curator, Jessica O’Farrell.
COVID-Collaborations: A Shared Step on a Long Journey is being exhibited in SAM’s Hugh D.T. Williamson Community Gallery until March 13, 2022. True to the collaborative spirit of the Community Gallery space, Willam Kelly’s template will be available to visitors to take home and interact with.
