22 February -
25 February 2024
Offsite
Booth G3, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Proximity presents new and recent works by unrepresented artists within Gertrude's 2-year Studio Program. The presentation pays tribute to the interior architecture of the gallery and studio complex to connect a production environment to the context of the Melbourne Art Fair. The project's title draws reference to the close-knit quarters of the studio environment as a site supporting 16 diverse artistic practices at any given time, comprising artists working individually yet within a shared environment. Through this, Proximity functions as a form of transposition, relocating works researched, produced and stored in a studio environment, into an environment oriented around broad public audiences and commercial exchange. Proximity is an attempt to conduit these different environments, with both a nod to theatrical reconstruction and commitment to authenticity. It is an exercise in doing in an art fair what one shouldn’t do within an art fair.
The project room brings to attention Gertrude's 39-year history of supporting studio-based practices while presenting a selection of current artists within Gertrude's Studio Program not yet represented by commercial galleries. The artworks by the artists are available for acquisition with all proceeds going directly to the artists. Proximity utilises the platform of MAF to connect with broad public audiences and gallerists, shining light on the calibre of work being generated within the studio program.
Project Rooms at Melbourne Art Fair are supported and presented by Alpha60. Thank you to Alex and Georgie Cleary for their assistance with and commitment to this project.
To request a roomsheet or purchase artworks please contact Gertrude on info@gertrude.org.au.
