Art enthusiasts in Melton can visit emerging local artist Mollie-Rose Chislett’s latest exhibit ‘Urban Birds’ at the Melton Library and Learning Hub.
The exhibition, which opened on Friday, June 21 and runs until the end of September, is an exploration of the impact of urbanisation on animals and features a series of bird sculptures.
Chislett said her upbringing in Sunshine and Caroline Springs, with its blend of urban infrastructure and natural landscapes, was the source for the project.
“I wanted to capture the relationship between the urban sprawl and the natural world, using the local environment,” she said.
“To see it displayed in the home that they reflect, the home that I share, it’s an incredible feeling.”
Chislett said the significance of the exhibition was not lost on her.
“Urban Birds is my first ever solo exhibition, so to have such an achievement displayed where everyone who has supported me can visit is absolutely wonderful,” she said.
“It’s up there with graduating with my honours degree… It showed me that my art does mean something to other people.”
Taking a step back and slowing down is something that people can take away from the artwork, Chislett said.
“I hope that people who visit my exhibition will take notice of birds around their neighbourhood, from seeing how these sculptures link the urban and the natural, and start to see that in their own lives.
“Once you become aware of the birds around you, there’s this moment of peace in bustling suburbia, the chance to slow down for a moment, perceive where you are, and how we share this environment with countless other species.”
Details: https://www.melton.vic.gov.au/Out-n-About/Arts-culture-heritage/Art-Exhibitions/Current-exhibitions/Urban-Birds
Eddie Russell
