Renowned artists unite for Bendigo event

La Trobe University has teamed up with the National Gallery of Victoria to bring a renowned international artist to Bendigo.

Argentinian textile artist Alexandra Kehayoglou will visit the University’s La Trobe Art Institute this month to talk about her work and to view the local exhibition of Australian artist James Geurts.

The event is part of the gallery’s Triennial exhibition, which features Kehayoglou’s hand-tufted rugs and tapestries.

La Trobe Art Institute Director Karen Quinlan said the event would give local art lovers the only opportunity to hear from both artists in Bendigo.

“We’re delighted to be working with the NGV as they prepare to launch their inaugural Triennial exhibition,” Ms Quinlan said.

“We are also incredibly excited at the prospect of hosting Alexandra Kehayoglou as we simultaneously launch our latest exhibition Seismic Field, by artist-in-residence James Geurts.

“Kehayoglou offers an opportunity for our audience to consider local environmental concerns in a global context.”

While Geurts’ work is responsive to the histories embedded in place, topography, geographical processes and human interaction with the environment, Kehayoglou's is personal and draws on familial memories.

Based in Buenos Aires, Kehayoglou draws on her ancestral history of weaving, crafting wool rugs from leftover thread collected in the family carpet factory.

Kehayoglou has collaborated with Belgian fashion designer Dries Van Noten’s, French fashion brand Hermès and Danish artist Olafur Eliasson and in recent years has exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London and Chamber Gallery, New York.

Locals can meet Kehayoglou and Geurts at this free Bendigo event on Thursday, December 14 from 10.30am. Places are limited and the community is encouraged to phone the gallery on 5444 7272 to reserve a seat.

ENDS

Media contact: Sally Heppleston s.heppleston@latrobe.edu.au or 0408 556 018

Photo: Alexandra Kehayoglou with her work No Longer Creek, 2016, at the artist announcement for the 2017 NGV Triennial, pic by Wayne Taylor.