University's premier exhibition showcases visual arts talent

Explorations of the random aesthetic of patterns have led visual arts students Martha Beasley and Lucy Bidgood to create two very distinctive works that feature in Southern Cross University’s annual premier art exhibition, TRANSIT 2012, opening on Friday, October 12.

A 2.5 metre tall, galvanised iron, 12-sided geometric form, known as a dodecahedron, dwarfs its creator, Martha Beasley.

“I am fascinated with the connection between science, geometry, art and the patterns of nature,” said the 3D artist.

“I want people to appreciate the beauty of the shape by looking at it from a distance and then walking in and out of it.”

For Lucy Bidgood, motion scribbles captured on paper while travelling back and forth from Lismore to Toowoomba hospital to visit her father in the cancer ward, led to a series of abstract cutwork paper silhouettes that feature in TRANSIT.

“The marks made by the pen are so detailed, intricate and beautiful. I’m sure I couldn’t invent those lines or draw them,” said Lucy, who is a painter.

The scribbles so entranced Lucy she traced and photocopied them onto art paper and began cutting.

“I couldn’t get paintings done so I developed this new way of working,” she said.

“The cutting process gave me a sense of the journey. It’s a form of journal as if I’m recalling and retracing my steps.”

Martha and Lucy are among 47 of Australia’s newest emerging artists at TRANSIT, Southern Cross University’s visual arts graduating student exhibition.

An online catalogue features each of the artists and their work.

The exhibition opens on Friday October 12 from 5.30pm to 8pm in the visual arts V block at the Lismore campus and continues from Saturday, October 13 through to Friday, October 26. The opening hours are 10am to 4pm from Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays).

On show will be a broad range of visual arts media including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, installation and film, reflecting the diversity of studies available at the University.

John Smith, the Bachelor of Visual Arts course coordinator, said TRANSIT 2012 demonstrated how students were responding to the increasing levels of skill and sophistication demanded of emerging artists.

“These students are able to combine a very committed approach to academic pursuits with an imaginative and playful approach that is very liberating. Many also see their art making as a way of engaging in understanding and commenting on some of the most critical debates of our time.

“The exhibition is a big team effort and provides students with the opportunity to use professional and industry relevant applications in an atmosphere of celebration and achievement in completing this phase of their studies," he said.

Most of the artworks will be available for sale. Last year, prices ranged from $25 to $2000, with most works selling below $500.

For more information, contact the School of Arts and Social Sciences on 02 6620 3831.

Special thanks to TRANSIT 2012's presenting partners Northern Rivers Echo and Lismore Regional Gallery. Thanks to supporting partners Coraki Art Prize, Fire in the Belly, Graham Gooley Optometrist, Lismore Timber and Plywood, Melville House Homestay, Sidney and Hacking Plumbing, and Star Court Theatre.
Photo: Martha Beasley surrounded by 1000 miniature multi-coloured cardboard dodecahedrons. Event: TRANSIT 2012 opens on Friday October 12 from 5.30pm to 8pm in the visual arts V block at the Lismore campus (Military Road, East Lismore) and continues Saturday, October 13 through to Friday, October 26. The opening hours are 10am to 4pm from Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays).