In the exhibition Arena Alun Rhys Jones explores the ingrained stereotypes still surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community, perpetuated by mainstream news media and the impact this continuous scrutiny has on the LGBTQIA+ world.
The lives of the LGBTQIA+ community seem to be permanently up for discussion. From the recent marriage equality debate to homophobia in the sports industry; from LGBTQIA+ children and teaching staff being expelled from schools to relentless attacks on trans rights; from the banning of LGBTQIA+ books in libraries to the boycotting of Pride jerseys in sports teams, discrimination against the community never seems far from public discussion.
News and media are littered with examples of homophobia, gay stereotypes and perceived gay weakness.
Arena presents a new body of work exploring the effect of this continuous scrutiny and assault on the psyche of the LGBTQIA+ community and the intensely personal implications involved. Stereotypes will be questioned, scrutinised, dissected and reclaimed as sites of strength and pride.
Alun Rhys Jones is an Australian-based artist, whose practice focuses on themes related to identity, media, and contemporary culture. Recent work has investigated the use of the body, gender and identity in an increasingly digitized and consumer driven society.
His work has been included in the Doug Moran National Art Prize, the Paul Guest Prize, the Churchie National Emerging Art Prize and the Rick Amor Drawing Prize. He participated in the Takt Kunstprojektraum Artist Residency in Berlin, and received the NAVA New South Wales Artists Grant and the NAVA Australia Artists Grant.
JOIN US FOR OUR FREE EVENTS:
EXHIBITION OPENING
Friday 31 January | 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Eltham Library Community Gallery, Panther Place, Eltham
Welcome to Country Ceremony and refreshments
Free | Register
LIFE DRAWING | ALUN RHYS JONES
Saturday 8 February | 1pm – 4pm
Eltham Library Multi-Purpose Room, Panther Place, Eltham
Presented in Partnership with Yarra Plenty Regional Library
Free | Register
ARTIST TALK | ALUN RHYS JONES
Saturday 15 February | 2pm – 3pm
Eltham Library Community Gallery, Panther Place, Eltham
Free | Register
The presentation of this exhibition is an initiative of Nillumbik Shire Council and aligns with supporting an equitable and inclusive community where human rights are respected, participation is facilitated, barriers are addressed and diversity is celebrated.
The exhibition continues until Sunday 2 March 2025. Please note the Eltham Library Community Gallery is closed on public holidays.
Images: Alun Rhys Jones, NOCTURNE 1 (detail), 2024, Oil on linen, 220 x 200cm
Alun Rhys Jones, Track 1 (detail), Oil on linen, 100cm x 100cm
Alun Rhys Jones, Blur (detail), 2022, Charcoal on paper, 150 x 150cm
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