16 February, 2011 14:21 by Lucy
A portrait by Eliza Gregory.
Image: Eliza Gregory
Source: Eliza Gregory
What have you given up in order to merge with mainstream culture?
And what have you held onto, in order to feel like yourself?
These two questions form the basis of a new large-scale, Melbourne-based project by American artist Eliza Gregory.
In Eliza’s new exhibition, ‘The Local’, responses to the above questions are exhibited alongside photographic portraits of Melbourne community members. In putting the show together, she has partnered with non-profit organisations InfoXchange, Carringbush Adult Education, and the Collingwood Housing Estates Arts Committee.
She says: "I find that for some people, the answers to these questions are simple and easy. For others they are complicated and emotional. But the answers are always interesting."
Eliza says the show itself is an extension of the art. "What I want most is to communicate about the experience of getting to know the people in your community. So the show is about that, but it also facilitates that at the same time."
You can see Eliza’s new photographs at the Yarra Sculpture Space in Abbotsford from March 11-27, 2011.
Or find out more at www.elizagregory.com
And watch a video about the project at:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/821341500/the-local-holding-on-and-letting-go
Yarra Sculpture Space
117 Vere Street
Abotsford, VIC 3067
Telephone: (03) 9419 6177
Open 12pm-5pm Wednesday to Sunday