City's annual art exhibition attracts myriad talent

10MARCH2022
Art is for the young and the young at heart which is why myriad ages, experience and artistic practices and styles feature in the City of Cockburn’s 17th annual exhibition of homegrown Cockburn artists.
 
Show Off 17 has it all, from a photographer who captures striking images of wildflowers using her mobile phone, to a well-known WA textile artist, and another is 17 – the same age as Show Off itself.
 
First-time exhibitor and local resident Sophie Xiang’s detailed images of wildflowers endemic to Whadjuk Boodjar and Western Australia is an example of how artistic methods and expression can come together to create contemporary art.
 
The enthusiastic self-taught phone photographer began her journey three years ago with no photography or botanical background.

Sophie has since fallen deeply in love with the beauty of WA flora, travelling far and wide learning as much as she can about our native plants. Her work is widely shared on social media, for science research and artists’ references.

City of Cockburn Art & Culture Coordinator and exhibition curator Cassandra Cooper said Show Off was unique because it included artists who exhibit internationally, like textile artist Megan Kirwan-Ward, through to those embarking on their first exhibition.
 
“In the 17 years since Show Off began, the City has purchased about 75 artworks valued at around $65,000 to add to its art collection,” she said.

Since its inception in 2003, Show Off has exhibited works collectively valued at more than $2.4m, featuring 845 exhibitors, starting with 19 exhibitors in the inaugural show to 68 at 2022’s much-anticipated Show Off 17 event.
 
“And the best part it’s free for artists to exhibit and is free for the community to attend,” Ms Cooper said.

Six artists have exhibited in every show since the exhibition began: Larry Mitchell, George Haynes, Jane Martin, Sharyn Egan, Trevor Vickers and Neda Starac.
 
As introduced for last year’s exhibition in response to the pandemic, an online gallery of the work being exhibited by each artist will be available.
 
The gallery will appear on the City’s website for the duration of the exhibition. Keep an eye on our socials for a link to view.
 
Show Off 17 will be held at Memorial Hall, 465 Carrington Street, Hamilton Hill 10am-3pm 26 March to 3 April with extended hours from 10am-7pm on Friday 1 April to accommodate visitors after traditional working hours.
 
A majority of artworks on exhibition will be for sale.
 
For more information, visit the City’s website.
 
Caption: Cockburn wildflower photographer Sophie Xiang in the field.

A note about Covid safety –
City of Cockburn events are subject to change or cancellation. Check the City’s website or our social media accounts closer to each event. Please wear a face mask, unless you have proof of exemption, at this event. Please scan the QR code upon entry. The City will provide hand sanitising stations and safety marshals at its major events until further notice. Please adhere to social distancing while attending. If you feel unwell or are showing symptoms, please seek medical advice and do not attend this event.

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaadatj dayin boodja, kep wer malayin. Ngalak kaadatj koora koora wer yeyi ngalang birdiya.

City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar boodja. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present.