By Holly McGuinness
Connecting a community in a post COVID-19 world, Elzette Bester’s art is intended as a vibrant exploration of empathy and human connection.
She wants the pieces to represent the community who has welcomed her as a migrant, neurodiverse woman who lives in Ardeer.
“It’s a visual celebration of what we do in the community, the Kororoit Creek, the flora and fauna, our birds, insects, frogs,” Bester said.
Her exhibition ‘Colour Outside The Lines’ is now open to the public at the Hunt Club, Deer Park.
The exhibition is a collection of works over the last 10 years.
“I wanted to see my work and see people standing in front of it,”Bester said.
“We can see art online but the real connection is standing in front of it.”
Bester also aims to communicate empathy non-verbally in her work, presenting a level of depth that encourages the viewer to explore the piece, finding hidden gems throughout.
During Melbourne’s many lockdowns Bester created a collection of colouring pages for the community that was left feeling as isolated as she was.
Doing something for her community during a time filled with fear and uncertainty was important to Bester, providing an activity that anyone could partake in.
“Colouring in doesn’t discriminate, you don’t have to be an artist and anyone can do it… It’s a really great mindful exercise that brings you back to the moment,” Bester said.
The exhibition is open until Thursday, September 28, from 9.30am – 4.30pm on weekdays.
