New exhibition a personal journey

Eatons Hill artist Yuliana Kusumastuti has used her personal journey through COVID-19 lockdowns as the inspiration for her latest exhibition, at the Albany Creek library.

Part of her ongoing project to find a place of belonging, Yuliana hopes her works will inspire others to share their own stories an find their identity and place in the community.

Sparking conversation

“The purpose is to confront the audience and the community we belong in - conscious or unconscious - and to open opinion and discourse about identity,” she says.

Born in Indonesia, Yuliana’s passion for art began at a young age, and grew when she worked as a journalist covering arts and culture.

“I have now lived in Australia for over two decades, and four years ago, I found myself in the studio and painting.

“This journey has led me to exhibitions in Australia and abroad.”

Enriching experiences

Yuliana says living in different cities created enriching experiences and memories.

“As I looked back at these experiences and memories, I began to wonder how the COVID pandemic was experienced by others and in what way our lives have changed.

“The artworks are based on my investigation of my personal journey during lockdown and how the lockdown impacted my connection with my friends, family and loved ones.”

View the gallery below

The result is a series of paintings with contrasting and bright colours narrating each person’s unique journey.

“This spontaneous mark-making allows me to play with lines, geometries and colours, sometimes the colours are bright and over-exposed and other times extremely dark,” Yuliana says.

The exhibition is on at the Albany Creek Library, 16 Ferguson St, Albany Creek, until June 30.

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