honor for handmark artists ― QVMAG exhibition RISE

An exciting new exhibition is giving emerging Tasmanian artists a platform to develop their artistic practice, and Handmark’s Eloise Daintree and Travis Bell have both been honoured with selection.

The inaugural Rise exhibition has just opened at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) in Launceston. A biennial event, ten rising artistic stars across all mediums have been asked to exhibit. It’s the brainchild of senior curator, Dr. Ashley Bird, who many of you may know from Handmark’s former Evandale Gallery: “A lot of emerging local artists want to commit to their practice but don’t know how. We will provide them with a road map and on-going commitment going forward,” Ash explains.

Ceramicist, Travis Bell, was a no-brainer for Ash. His unique sculptural vessels seemingly defy gravity. “There is no-one else like him. The tension and balance he creates in his pieces is incredible and we especially asked him to create new larger pieces for Rise.” Travis has five works in the exhibition. “It’s incredibly surreal to be exhibiting at QVMAG,” Travis tells us. “It gives me confidence that I am heading in the right direction, but at the same time it is incredibly humbling to be chosen.”

Ash also earmarked indigenous artist, Eloise Daintree. “This girl is the real deal. Her energy, freshness and unique colour palette allows Eloise to share stories about lutruwita in her own special way.”

The Rise exhibition at QVMAG in Launceston runs until October 15.