A vibrant art exhibition showcasing the works of 93 artists from ethnic backgrounds living with a disability is set to open in Melbourne next month.
We think there’s a minimal focus on people with disabilities from ethnic backgrounds, because firstly there’s a language barrier and on top of that they’ve got a disability, so that’s why it’s important to represent their artists and it’s also why we love doing the show every year
The exhibition, ADEC ArtAbility 2010, will showcase over 150 works, representing cultures from Africa, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Greece, Syria, Russia, Poland and more.
The 93 artists have been handpicked from all over Melbourne by the curator for Action Disability Ethnic Communities (ADEC) to present quality oil, acrylic and ink paintings, sketches on canvas, sculptures, tapestries and photographs; these works reflect their perceptions as to what “Summer” means to them living in Victoria.
ADEC Communications and Administration Officer, Anastasia Meimeteas, who co-organised the first show five years ago, said the exhibition promotes an underrepresented group.
“We think there’s a minimal focus on people with disabilities from ethnic backgrounds, because firstly there’s a language barrier and on top of that they’ve got a disability, so that’s why it’s important to represent their artists and it’s also why we love doing the show every year,” Ms Meimeteas told Neos Kosmos.
“I know with Alex he’s been involved for two years now and the first time he’d done something like this and when he saw that red sticker on his art work he was excited, he was screaming out, he called his mother to let her know he sold his artwork, it was a touching moment to see that, and any artist we have in there when they see that sticker on the artwork they’re so happy, for a lot of the artists it’s the first time they’re exhibiting.
Of the artists, four Greek Australians, Alex Litsoudis, Constantine Farfaras, Atonia Antoniou and George Psylopoulos, will be showcasing their works.
“Alex Litsoudis has been involved for two years now and the first time he exhibited his work when he saw that red sticker on his art work he was so excited, he was screaming out, he called his mother to let her know he sold his artwork. It was a touching moment. For any artists there when they see that sticker on their artwork they’re so happy,” Ms Meimeteas said.
The ADEC ArtAbility 2010 Art exhibition will be on show at The Atrium, Federation Square, Melbourne from Monday December 6 until Tuesday December 14, from 9am until 5pm daily. Entrance is free and people can buy artworks ranging in sizes and mediums with costs ranging from $20 to $500.
For more information visit: www.adec.org.au