FCAC is welcoming visitors again and has plenty to see and do in July and beyond. Here’s a run-down of what’s on.
Tender gestures, loud voices
Capturing moments of intimacy shared between friends, kin and strangers through history, exhibition Tender gestures, loud voices provides the perfect antidote for those feeling disconnected during lockdown. Presented at Footscray Community Arts Centre (FCAC) and curated by Madé Spencer-Castle and Jeremy Eaton, the exhibition features 12 works by high profile Australian and international artists in a celebration of community, as Victorians re-emerge from isolation and re-enter public spaces.
Curators Madé Spencer-Castle and Jeremy Eaton are thrilled to bring together artists who depict community in sensual, complex, raw, humorous and often emotional ways.
“We selected artists who are immersed in the communities that they capture, conveying the joy and intimacy that has been missing from our lives over the past year”, said Spencer-Castle and Eaton.
“Having spent a lot of time at FCAC over the past few months, there is an incredibly strong sense of community that exists here: from the people working in the space to those passing through and just hanging out. We are really hoping to reaffirm these ties and extend a warm embrace for all visitors to come together”.
Exhibition runs from 18 June – 22 August in the Roslyn Smorgon Gallery.
Useless Man
Useless Man is a collection of over 100 art works made by award-winning artist James Hale during his two months in residence.
The exhibition will explore a multitude of things: love, death, Footscray, sex, drag queens, Seddon, art, camp, gossip, and Yarraville – inspired in theme and title by queer icon Leigh Bowery. A sequinned, supernova from Sunshine, elements of Bowery’s life and art, both oblique and blatant, run throughout this exhibition.
Useless Man sees Hale’s creative process laid bare – showing several versions of a singular work throughout its development. A picture’s meaning can change dramatically with the addition or subtraction of a word. Even a change of composition can “fix” a lacklustre drawing. This exhibition exposes the process behind a finished artwork, mistakes and all.
Exhibition – 8 July – 5 August
Happy Art Hour: Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night
Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night is one of the most recognisable art works in the world. The post-impressionist Dutch painter was renowned for his characteristically bold use of colour and expressive brushwork, which made him stand out amongst artists of his era.
In this creative workshop, led by teaching artist Jessica Ibacache, you’ll learn about Van Gogh whilst recreating a replica of one of his most iconic works. With chill tunes playing and corks popping, you’ll go home with your very own Starry Night replica. Perfect for a group activity or even as some solo self-care. Let your hair down and explore your creative side. No previous experience is necessary – the only rule is to have as much fun as you can! Come out of the cold and step into a Starry Night.
For this event, you will be supplied with all art materials, wine and nibbles – just bring yourself!
Dates are Saturday 17 July, 4:30pm – 7:30pm and Saturday 24 July, 4:30pm – 7:30pm.
More information for all events can be found at https://footscrayarts.com, facebook.com/Footscrayarts and instagram.com/footscrayarts.
FCAC opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9.30am — 5:00pm and Saturday and Sunday: 10am — 4pm
