LocationFoyer GalleryCostFREETimeDaily until early 2020Our newest
commission for the Duchamp Wall is Communication matters, a larger
than life cartoon by Ellie Hopley, who creates under her label
Shuturp. A prolific digital artist, Ellie is building a reputation
with her playful drawings comprised of unassuming lines and
crayon-like colour for presenting unlikely observations on
contemporary life.Subversion, wit and irony are the tools of the
cartoonist, who has traditionally taken to the page with a black line
to pass commentary on political and social events of the day.
Newspaper cartoons feature figures with exaggerated facial features or
bodies, often accompanied by wry one-liners.For Ellie her audience is
Instagram, a contemporary platform for the artist/cartoonist to make
savvy social observations on daily life. Her work sits somewhere
between David Shrigley and Alexander Calder, where continuous line
drawings and single panels of short text offer monologues or snippets
of conversations. Ellie shares these honestly (and rapidly) in
Instagram’s square format using contemporary language.Everybody
feels different ways in different situations; Ellie’s drawings
recreate the tension in an overwhelming situation. Teasing apart
feelings and reality, she also offers drawings that proclaim messages
of acceptance and positivity. The work is relatable, humorous, and
honest, broaching sexuality, relationships and awkward
conversations.The work created for the Duchamp Wall is bold. It speaks
to the rising awareness of people who live with mental illness, and
the need to care for them. It shows how ill-equipped we feel to care
for each other, but also how hard it can be to ask for help. This
cartoon confronts our responses to others through black humour,
highlighting our weaknesses, ultimately aiming to create
conversations.According to Beyond Blue in any one year around 1
million adults in Australia suffer from depression and over 2 million
with anxiety.“Mental health can be overwhelming for those who have
never experienced it. It’s hard to know what to say or what to do so
it’s usually easier to do nothing. But instead of ignoring it,
instead of being conditional with your relationships stay, listen,
understand.” – Ellie.The truth is, some conversations just become
too big for family and friends. If you’re worried about someone or
yourself and feel professional support is needed, contact your local
doctor or the agencies below. Take a snapshot so you can make that
call.Arts Wellbeing CollectiveLifeline Ph: 13 11 14 (24 hours)Kids
helpline Ph: 1800 55 1800 (24 hours)Ellie Hopley on why communication
mattersEllie spoke to us about her label Shuturp, as well as the
meaning behind this commission. Read moreDuchamp WallAt HOTA we’re
always looking for opportunities for local artists. Affectionately
known as the Duchamp Wall (yes, it’s on a wall near a male toilet)
this commission provides a blank canvas for local artists to create
site-specific, temporary artwork and to extend their own practice.The
Duchamp Wall is a nod to Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968); a multi-media
artist associated with Cubism, conceptual art, and Dada. He challenged
the conventions of art making and famously declared a porcelain urinal
as an artwork.ArtLab: Big Art Feels with Ellie HopleyEllie will be
back on 12 October to run ArtLab | Big Art Feels. A workshop for young
artists who can put all the feelings (big, small, weird and wild) onto
a canvas. Ellie will ensure they are confident in their work and proud
of their creations.Find out more
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14/11/2019 Last update