OBSERVER: Limitless
Arts Project Australia has launched Limitless, a major new annual commissioning series supporting large-scale, ambitious works by neurodivergent artists and artists with intellectual disability.
Limitless offers a platform for APA artists to explore their practice entirely on their own terms.
It marks an opportunity to develop their most expansive and ambitious works to date.
The series represents a pivotal evolution in APA’s commitment to experimentation, creative partnerships and innovation – an approach that will position its artists for national and international recognition.
“I am incredibly excited to launch Limitless, which marks a landmark step in achieving our vision that sees a future where neurodivergent artists are central to contemporary art culture,” said APA Executive Director Liz Nowell.
The inaugural exhibition in the Limitless series curated by Jo Salt, Embodied, considers the body as a vessel for experience, reflection and transformation.
Embodied presents powerful new works by APA artists Bronwyn Hack and Mark Smith, whose practices are marked by depth, experimentation and uncompromising creative integrity.
Through mentorship, collaboration and bold artistic risk-taking, Embodied captures a moment of evolution and transformation for these two extraordinary artists.
“Bronwyn and Mark began with a simple seed: the body. But what unfolded was anything but simple. Their works reveal something deeper – the inner experiences of identity, memory and emotion – made visible through material, scale and form,” said Salt.
From Hack’s sensuous, reverent sculptures that reimagine the body as complex, beautiful and deeply human, to Smith’s layered, expressive works that embrace the messy, multifaceted nature of being – Embodied is a striking affirmation of the limitless possibilities of art.
Coinciding with the Embodied exhibition at its Collingwood gallery, APA will open the doors of its renowned Northcote creative studio, where over 150 artists work weekly.
At the Studio Open Day, visitors can go behind the scenes, meet APA artists and experience the creative community that fuels exhibitions like Embodied.
A free, one-day celebration, Studio Open Day includes artist-led drop-in workshops, talks, zine stalls, art and merchandise sales, roaming performances and live music.
Highlights include:
• Costume life drawing with Bronwyn Hack
• A special studio exhibition
• Zines and storytelling with Daniel Pace
• Live portraits with Amani Tia
• Music by local rock legends Parsnip
• The iconic Retribution Teddy Bears workshop with Arian Lazzaro
Studio Open Day is an invitation to connect, celebrate and be inspired by the artists reshaping the landscape of contemporary Australian art.
Embodied
August 23 – October 4
Wed. – Fri.: 11am – 5pm. Sat.: 12 Noon – 4pm
APA Collingwood Gallery, Collingwood Yards, 35 Johnston St , Collingwood
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Studio Open Day
September 14
Sun.: 11am – 4pm
APA Northcote Studio. 24 High St, Northcote
artsproject.org.au
Ben Starick