A couple of weeks ago, I visited The Depot Artspace to check out their latest exhibition, Between Us, and I just loved it.
There is so much diversity in this exhibition, both through the style of painting and through scale. The exhibition is beautifully curated, and all the pieces, although very different from each other, work so well together. It is clear that a great deal of thought has gone into the placement of the works, allowing each artist's voice to shine while still contributing to a cohesive and engaging exhibition experience.
The exhibition explores notions of human connection, personal experiences, and identity. These themes are approached in a variety of ways, giving visitors the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences while appreciating the unique perspectives of each artist. It is an exhibition that invites you to slow down and spend time with the work.
I exhibited at The Depot Artspace gallery many years ago, so I've always felt a real connection to the place. It's always a good excuse to go and visit Devonport and make a day of it. There is something special about returning to a gallery that has been part of your own creative journey, and it is wonderful to see the space continuing to support and showcase contemporary artists.
A firm favourite piece of mine was Better Together by Hayley Hamilton. It reminded me of a portrait I took of my sister some years ago in Laos, where she was immersed in water, relaxed, and reminded me of when she was little. Hayley's piece features two portraits of girls. They had eyes that were so human, almost like a photograph. There is a quiet intimacy to the work that immediately draws you in, and I found myself returning to it several times throughout my visit. The softness of the composition and the emotional connection between the figures made it particularly memorable.
Another piece I just loved is the work by Hannah Shickedan titled Playing Settlers. This work is an absolute powerhouse and completely held the room, in my opinion. The understanding of light that Hannah has shown in her painting just highlights her skill set.
What I particularly enjoyed about Between Us was the balance between technical excellence and storytelling. Each artwork seemed to offer a glimpse into a personal moment, memory, or relationship, creating a rich and layered viewing experience. The variety of approaches kept the exhibition feeling fresh and engaging from beginning to end.
It's not often you get to experience so much figurative art in one room, so this exhibition is an utter treat and one not to be missed!
The exhibition runs until the 27th June, so you still have a few more days to check it out.
My favourite piece, which reminded me of the photo study I did of my sister in Laos,2017
