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    Community art collective exhibits the heart of the West 

    Date:

    By Rachel Alice Dodemaide

    The Rest of Us, (T.R.O.U.) is a community led non-profit organisation and the passion project of Konker Malual. It centres the creative expression of young individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds through free workshops and the collective has recently found a new home in Footscray on Paisley St, where it hosted an opening night with the T.R.O.U. Group Art Exhibition. 

    The Exhibit features a diverse range of talent across a wide spectrum of race, sexual identity, age and discipline, with works ranging from photography, quilt-making, painting, sketching and sculpting. This T.R.O.U. event provides a platform to showcase some of Melbourne’s most promising upcoming talent, while concurrently raising the funds required to enable future youth workshops. 

    Some of the artists featured include:

    JAW, evokes deeply expressive depictions of tragedy, resilience, oppression and introspection on identity allowing us into his world of Adinkra-filled, psychedelic and infectiously detailed pieces where Jaw recounts the history and depth of the Black experience.

    FIONA, this textile artist, blankets the space with playful patchwork quilts, produced with recycled materials. Fiona reclaims elements of her past by cleverly sewing them into her designs; a beloved pair of pants that no longer fit, become part of a new quilt that celebrates the feminine form with a vibrant red bikini motif. Fiona’s designs are an expression into queer identity and the importance of loving yourself and being proud of who you are.

    HANNAH, is a wildly talented poet, painter and mixed media artist, she prioritises living a life that centres her creative pursuits and self-expression. Hannah’s oil paintings reflect not only a mastery of technical skill but a deep well of feeling and sincerity, which she renders in complex palates of rich earthy hues. Her collages invite the audience to peer into her inner world and explore the pain and confusion associated with the dating realm. 

    ALAIN, this South African born Australian artist speaks to us in different mediums. His popular collection of photographs consist of his adventures in Atlanta, Georgia. Alain’s impressive body of work stands as a salute to Atlanta’s remarkable essence and the enduring strength of its people, highlighting it as more than just a city but a true haven that inspires bravery and togetherness. The addition of Alain’s bold acrylic paintings gives us a multidisciplinary artist with a keen eye for capturing fleeting moments of beauty in everyday life.

    DU PLESSIS, paints surreal and figurative themes of fatherhood, innocence, family, and the healing of generational trauma, in a world we may soon come to not recognise. Du Plessis began assisting with the operations of T.R.O.U. in 2023 but has been a close friend of Konker, since they were in high school. Du Plessis shares Konker’s vision of building a space that will provide youth with opportunities they would have coveted growing up. 

    This successful opening exhibit was packed with family, friends, and mentors, and this emerging community initiative aims to positively transform the local space. With such an electric start, T.R.O.U. heralds exciting things in store. 

    Open Until February 18, 2025 
    T.R.O.U. Gallery Exhibition: 25/47 Paisley St, Footscray

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