Amelia Mollett, Andy Sumner, Diane McWhirter, Helen MacArthur, Jeanette Muirhead, Justin Wasserman, Lesley Andersen, Sallie Saunders

Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre

“Dialogue with Dissonance” is an exhibition of works by a group of local artists exploring our human disposition to live with contradiction. This contemporary series, created in a range of media and approaches, allows each artist to interpret the disparity between what we see and what we expect to see. It considers how we express ourselves both collectively and individually by creating tension through different forms, relationships and meaning.

It is a reality that viewers only get to see artworks when they are completed and observe them with their own set of internal attitudes, behaviors and unconscious bias. What goes on behind the scenes, from concept, composition, and colour choices to deciding when a work is ‘finished’ manifests in the audience’s decision to stop and make sense of what they see. Through dissonance we develop a more thought-provoking experience as viewers tap into the human desire to make order out of disorder.

About the artists

The exhibition “Dialogue with Dissonance” presents an opportunity to explore the creative expressions of eight local artists, each of whom brings a unique perspective shaped by their diverse backgrounds and experiences. By drawing inspiration from a broad spectrum of sources—such as nature, interrelationships and human concerns—the artists employ a variety of techniques, including realism, abstract expression, painting, mixed media, and sculpture. The collective aims to create a space for conversation about issues that transcend individual narratives, ultimately enriching the viewer’s experience and appreciation of art.