Neighbourhood: A glimpse into Deakin’s Community
Deakin Library is proud to present the exhibition Neighbourhood: Deakin Visual Arts Society in the Burwood library exhibition space, currently on display until 5 May. Developed in collaboration with Deakin Visual Arts Society, this exhibition celebrates stories and lives within the Deakin community, offering unique insights into the concept of belonging through the eyes of Deakin’s student artists.
Deakin Visual Arts Society (DVAS), an inclusive platform for student artists from various disciplines, has fostered a vibrant community where creativity and collaboration flourish. Weekly gatherings allow members to work on their pieces, creating an environment that’s both fun and socially enriching. This exhibition not only highlights their individual talents but also the collective spirit that defines DVAS.
Curator’s insight: Pip Minney
To me, a neighbourhood is a group of people who feel a sense of belonging. It could be to a street or suburb, but more important than the idea of place is the sense of inclusion. – Pip Minney
As the curator of the library’s Exhibitions and Public Programs team, Pip Minney found working with the DVAS an absolute pleasure as they brought so much creativity to the table. Students chose the theme, played art-making games, workshopped ideas and wrote artist statements.
‘Working with DVAS was an opportunity for us to share the creative work of students who are not necessarily studying visual art but are still compelled to produce art.’
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the participatory art project. You can sit down and craft your own paper house to leave behind as a part of Neighbourhood. Pip says, ‘Through this interactive project we can show a wide range of art and decorative styles that reflect our Deakin community as well as offer a chance for creativity and contemplation – which are so important for wellbeing!’
After launching in the heart of OWeek, hundreds of visitors have already come through to create their own paper houses. It was such a successful activity that we had to replenish supplies! If you’re on campus at Burwood, make sure you stop by to see the gorgeous paper neighbourhood and exhibition artwork.
DVAS President perspective: Joana Boenig
Joana Boenig, President of DVAS, shares her experience working with Deakin Library and her students to produce this exhibition. ‘It was all about encouraging shy artists to have a go. The hardest part for many was choosing what to make, but once inspiration hit, the exhibition process went smoothly and was all very exciting.’
Reflecting on her experience of the neighbourhood concept, Joana says, ‘For my own artwork I made loose sketches of my local neighbourhood, Box Hill. As someone who has been working through improvising my social anxiety, I have always struggled with having a grounded sense of place and connection to community. What was most interesting about the process was seeing some pedestrians stop in surprise, which led to small exchanges with strangers that would not have happened if not for these sketches.’
Neighbourhood: Deakin Visual Arts Society is more than just an exhibition; it’s an immersive experience. Joana encourages everyone, ‘What has been mentioned so far about the artworks is by no means comprehensive and there is so much more to see. We hope the Neighbourhood exhibition inspires viewers to try new art methods and be more curious about their local environment.’
For those inspired by the exhibition and looking to dive into the world of visual arts, Joana emphasises that there’s no creative threshold to join DVAS. The society is a welcoming space for students to explore their creativity, make new friends and share ideas.
A call to explore your neighbourhood
Neighbourhood: Deakin Visual Arts Society is an invitation to view the world through diverse artistic lenses, to engage with the community and to discover the power of creativity. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious about the narratives within your own neighbourhood, this collaborative exhibition is a must-see. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this creative journey at the Burwood Library exhibition space before it closes on 5 May.