The Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition 2013

The Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition 2013

Drill Hall, Torrens Parade Ground, Victoria Drive

6pm Thursday 14^th Feb

The Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition has always, in my memory, been held in the Drill Hall. It is about as far away from a ‘white cube’ as you can get, though the high ceilings and cavernous space are reminiscent of industrial-building-turned-gallery (see TATE Modern). It is such a big space, because it is such a big exhibition; there are 35 artists making their debut.

The difference between institutional graduate exhibitions and the Helpmann Academy, is that the Helpmann’s exhibition is curated. The artists have been chosen from amongst 2012’s graduating students. These artists have been identified as the best, the newest, the freshest, and the most interesting. Maybe this idea of harvesting new young talent is a bit naff, but if there is a place for it, it is within this framework. What The Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition offers to the public, beyond this idea of ‘the newest and the best’, is an opportunity to see the parallels and diversity between the practices of students from the Helpmann’s different partner institutions. The variety of techniques and talents presented by the exhibiting artists is always exciting. 

Carly Snoswell and Ebony Heidenreich were both shown in the SASA gallery Project space in 2012, co curated by myself, Ursula Halpin and Madeline Reece. You can read about the exhibition and their work on Ursula's website. 

Images: top, Hailey Lane.com, Your Light Burns Clear, 2012, Giclee print, edition of 5 + ap

Middle, Carly Snoswell, Fasten, Cluster, Wrap, Scatter, 2012, plastic loop ties, dimensions variable

Bottom,  Ebony Heidenreich, Stay Connected‘ 2012, porcelain and earthenware,

TEXT: Copyright Adele Sliuzas, originally published on the thousands