By Wendy Williamson
Beaconsfield student Mary Davine is among a select few young artists chosen to exhibit at the National Gallery of Victoria’s prestigious Top Arts.
Each year Top Arts showcases the exceptional work of students who have completed Art or Studio Arts as part of their Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).
In 2017 Mary completed VCE at St Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield.
She is now studying nursing at Monash, but art is still very much a part of her life, and she insists it always will be.
“I find a sense of calm among works of art in both large and small galleries. It is the place I continuously retreat to during busy times of my life – I will always have it as my ‘happy place’,” she said.
Art and social justice are two of Mary’s passions. She is able to combine the two through her voluntary work with the St Vincent de Paul Society.
As well as volunteering at a local op shop, she promotes Vinnies’ ‘Just Art,’ an art competition focusing on creative representation of a contemporary social justice issue.
Mary is thrilled that her artwork was chosen for Top Arts 2018.
“It’s a bit surreal,” she told the Gazette. “I’m very lucky to have been chosen. It’s very exciting to see my work at the NGV.”
Top Arts encompasses a range of media, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, digital and mixed media.
Mary used everything from calico and wool to fluid acrylic, polyester fill and faux fur to produce her mixed media work.
The theme of her portfolio was micro vs macro and her religious beliefs and personal morals led her to look at cells and microbiota.
“I was particularly inspired by the ideas and aesthetic qualities of John Olsen’s work, which encompass elements of micro and macro,” she said.
Top Arts is on at NGV Australia at Federation Square from 23 March to 15 July. Opening hours 10am to 5pm.
