Seven women. Two continents. One exhibition.
Unearthing Power brings together seven artists from Australia (Canberra and Castlemaine) and the US in a vibrant exhibition.
The exhibition features works by Estelle Anderson, Lois Denham, Diana Dunkley, Peta Milne, Debra K Nelson, Margaret Rose and Nan Renbarger. It explores the unseen forces that connect, inspire and transform the artists, through various artforms, including a diptych.
“In this collaborative display, all group members produced two pieces of artwork on a square canvas 30 centimetres x 30 centimetres,” the artists explained to CD.
“Pairs were randomly selected.
“One member initiated a piece of work inspired by the theme Unearthing Power and the other member made a piece in response to this artwork.
“In this way, the seven artworks were produced and for the first time can be displayed side-by-side.”
Each of the artists was tasked with approaching their work with a unique vision, informed by their personal style, choice of materials and approach to the theme.
“We have adapted our pieces as we progressed,” the collective said.
“It has been a wonderful experience to see each other’s work and have our diptychs now hanging together.”
The US artists — Diana, Deb, Margaret and Nan — said they were excited and happy to share their work in Australia, in particular, Canberra.
“The hospitality we have experienced since we landed on your shore has warmed our hearts,” they said.
“We also want to thank Strathnairn Arts for their generous and accommodating part in facilitating this phase of our collaboration.”
The US artists said their favourite thing about being involved in the exhibition was the opportunity to participate in a joint endeavour in person.
“Being in the physical presence of our star sister collaborators is always the best,” they said.
“Our 15-year collaboration has produced many exhibits and projects, but the exhibition in the US in 2018 and now this exhibit are by far the most fulfilling because we are all together.”
The group formed from a simple game of Scrabble.
“Fifteen years ago, Peta in Canberra and Diana in Lawrence, Kansas started a random game of Scrabble online,” the artists said.
“After a while, they started chatting and realised that they were in different hemispheres.”
Diana asked Peta if she wanted to join the collaborative group of artists. The Seven Sisters was formed and named Pleiades after the star constellation.
Unearthing Power runs from 27 August to 21 September. Find out more about the exhibition at: strathnairn.com.au/currentupcoming/pleiades
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