As part of her current exhibition ‘Transit’ at the iconic Black Cat Gallery, artist Stacey Korfiatis will also hold an art workshop titled ‘Atypical?’ supported by Multicultural Arts Victoria and curated by Pimpisa Tinpalit.

Both the exhibition and the one-day life drawing and painting workshop focus on the fetishisation of youth, thinness, and unattainable perfection, by looking at and normalising difference and diversity in human bodies.

The exhibition’s official opening is set to take place on Friday night and the workshop will be held on Tuesday July 24 from 6 – 8.30 pm.

The workshop is designed for emerging/intermediate/established artists who are looking to explore a life drawing of a human body with a model. Participants are encouraged to bring along their practice materials (pencils, paints, brushes, paper, canvas and other materials that they would normally work with).

The artist will not give a lesson on how to ‘draw’ or ‘paint’ but how to appreciate and celebrate the beauty in bodies of all forms including ageing, ethnicity, visible and invisible disabilities, short- and long-term illness and injury.

Korfiatis describes it as an intersection of inspiration, opportunity, and optimism colliding with burnout – resulting in the artist calling a truce with her poor mental health, and negotiating a new resolution shown within this exhibition. It is also an intersection of atypical representations: both the varied people and bodies on display in the artworks, and the mental and physical health of the artist.

‘Transit’ is a mix of new, existing, and in-progress work.

About the artist: Stacey Korfiatis holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Metals & Jewellery) from Monash University. She has had ongoing involvement in the Melbourne art community since 2008. She has participated in a number of group, solo and curated shows. In addition to making her own work, Stacey has worked as studio assistant for jeweller Blanche Tilden.

* The ‘Atypical? visual art workshop is on Tuesday 24 July from 6 – 8.30 pm. The event is free, but spaces are limited. Bookings essential via Eventbrite. Go to https://multiculturalarts.com.au/event/atypical-visual-art-workshop-by-stacey-korfiatis/
* ‘Transit’ exhibition is on until Sunday 29 July at Black Cat Gallery (95 Johnston St, Collingwood, VIC).