Above: Artist Maurice Goldberg opened the show.
It’s been a privilege to have a solo exhibition in Sydney. ‘Beyond the Screen’ is my exploration into the screens that act as facades and shields in our lives. These screens can evoke a sense of mystery, or prevent the world from seeing who we really are.
This series looks at what is beyond those screens that protect us – and what it takes to break through in order for you to really shine.
Thanks to everyone who came to a successful opening night! And thank you to all the wonderfully supportive artists in my community who offered their words of wisdom and encouragement in the lead up to the exhibition.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect and can’t actually remember the last time I felt this uncertain or vulnerable. But when you have wonderful people around you, you realise that – whatever happens – it’s all going to be alright!
Fortunately, the exhibition has exceeded my even most (secretly hopeful) expectations so I’m breathing a sigh of relief, recovering and having a rest with Netflix and banoffee pie. Big thanks goes to Vinh Van Lam and Stuart Horrex at Artshine for their incredible support.
Some pics here from opening night and then a full catalog in the post below.
But if you prefer it all in a PDF, you can view it here.
Above: With two super talents: Claudia Chan Shaw and Walter Mason.
Above: With wonderful friends Suzi Dafnis, Peter Johnston, James Burgin.
Above: With talented writers Jo Jukes and Susannah Hardy.
‘Beyond the screen’ is about what lies beyond the facades we use in our lives. This piece is about emerging from whatever we’ve put in place to shield ourselves from the world – and the freedom we experience when we finally embrace who we really are.
57 x 40.5 x 2.5cm
‘Metamorphosis’ is about how we’re able to transform our lives when we give ourselves permission to indulge in our secret passions. Because it’s only when we remove the blocks we put in front of ourselves that we are finally able to discover what we’re truly called to do.
57 x 40.5 x 5cm
‘The Secret Garden’ is about the sanctuary we go to – even if it’s an intellectual experience as opposed to a physical one – where we are truly honest with ourselves. Where we can face our fears, our deep desires, and recognise we have dreams that may have yet to be realised – but which can now motivate us to go on.
57 x 40.5 x 5cm
‘Songbird’. This piece is about paying attention to the creative nudges inside us so that we can discover the hidden talents that bring us joy. It’s about giving ourselves permission to take risks and feed our creative souls.
37 x 27 x 2.5cm
‘Explore’ is about the anticipation and discovery that fills our lives when we give in to our creative curiosity and follow our passions.
37 x 27 x 2.5cm
‘Solo Adventure’ is about the bliss of traversing into new terrain, driven only by your thoughts, agenda and curiosity. It’s about giving yourself freedom from obligations so that you can put your creativity first.
37 x 27 x 2.5cm
‘Dragonflies’ is about that moment of self-realisation when we finally know we’re more adaptable, resilient and powerful than we once thought. Dragonflies are versatile and can fly in any direction; they can also hover in a single spot. This piece is dedicated to stepping into your own power and understanding that you already have all the talent you need to get where you want to go.
57 x 40.5 x 2.5cm
‘Connection’ is about the bonds we make with the special people in our lives. It’s about letting our guard down, allowing people to support you and being vulnerable so you can share what’s really important to you.
50 x 50 x 5cm
‘Wonderment’ is about that sense of awe that comes over us when we finally see what’s really possible. It’s excitement, anticipation and, above all, hope for what the future has in store.
81 x 122 x 5cm
‘The next step’ is about having the courage to strip away your protective armour so you can step into the next chapter of your life. It’s about being brave enough to leave behind what’s comfortable in order to seek the adventure of true fulfilment.
37 x 27 x 2.5cm
‘Feed your soul’ is about prioritising the creative activities that are going to bring us fulfilment. It’s about setting aside the expectations of people and being honest about what really makes us happy.
37 x 27 x 2.5cm
‘Forge’ is about a singular obsession that helps us get to where we want to go. Whether that involves late nights or challenging situations, it’s about the determination to forge ahead in order to achieve our dreams.
37 x 27 x 2.5cm
‘Harmony’ is about creating an environment where you can truly shine. It’s about finding the right support, mentors, cheerleaders and friends who will encourage you as you follow your dreams. It’s about casting aside the blocks that convince you that you’re not worthy – and nurturing the people who know that you are.
80 x 60 x 5cm
‘Magnificence’ is about an appreciation of the beauty and opportunity that surrounds us. It’s that moment when you realise that you have everything you need – right now – to achieve everything you want.
57 x 40.5 x 5cm
‘Balance’ is the equilibrium we achieve when we nurture every part of our life. It’s about the flow we experience when we focus the right amount of time on our passions, our family – and ourselves.
57 x 40.5 x 5cm
‘Zen Meditation’ is about the peacefulness we need in order to hear the voice of wisdom that is always within us. It’s a reminder to cultivate simplicity in a life that can be full of distraction. And that we should make time for ourselves so the clarity we seek emerges into a beautiful and tantalising vision.
37 x 27 x 2.5cm
By Valerie Khoo