Drawing from her upbringing in Australia and Malaysia, and her Indian and Malaysian ancestry, Sangeeta Sandrasegar has collaborated with master dyer Heather Thomas to create a new exhibition using botanical materials from the Creswick region.
“Yellow deep that drew your eyes” is now exhibiting at RACV ArtHouse, located at RACV Goldfields Resort, and runs until 6 October 2024. The silk works have been developed using dyes extracted from the Cherry Ballart, a native tree found in the region. The yellows and native golds in the exhibition reflect the Goldfields history as a magnet of migration, connection to the landscape, and contemporary stories of employment.
Artist Sangeeta Sandrasegar explained that the works spoke to migration and perceptions as Australians. She reflected on her own experience as a child travelling between Malaysia and Australia, and how much that movement informed her growth and reasons for creating her work. Sandrasegar, who completed a Doctorate of Philosophy at the Victorian College of the Arts and the Australian Centre at the University of Melbourne, has exhibited her work throughout Australia and internationally, including at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney, the Australian Centre of Contemporary Art in Melbourne, and the Gallery of Modern Art in Queensland.
Ms Sandrasegar shared that she discovered a series of childhood drawings her mother had stored for years. She selected a few of these drawings and recreated them using a similar dye process seen in the larger silk pieces. She aimed to connect with the children visiting the resort by displaying these relatable drawings at a scale accessible to young viewers, helping to introduce art at an early stage.
The exhibition also showcases the expertise of Heather Thomas, who holds a Diploma of Arts (Studio Textiles and Design) from RMIT and a Degree in the Arts (Language and Culture Studies) from Deakin University. Thomas was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2019 to investigate established botanical dye studios in Japan and America, exploring how such models could be translated locally. She will deliver a workshop using natural dye at Ballarat’s Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades in August 2024.
RACV Head of Visual Arts Mardi Nowak highlighted the exhibition as a great opportunity for guests of all ages to engage with RACV’s visual art displays while enjoying the resort’s natural grounds. Ms Nowak expressed pleasure in supporting exhibitions that engage the arts community and provide an opportunity for locals and guests to enjoy world-class art experiences.
Visitors can book their stay at RACV Goldfields Resort and learn more about the “Yellow deep that drew your eyes” exhibition by visiting racv.com.au/art
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