New gallery provides space for young artists

Published on 16 September 2021

Young Hobart artists have the opportunity to see their work displayed in an exhibition setting, with the opening of the Youth Arts and Recreation Centre’s YARC Gallery.

Debuting the gallery will be The Butterfly Effect, a series of calligraphy works by Halima A. Bhatti, a young Pakistan-born, Hobart woman whose artwork reflects the deep connections and sacred knowledge of her culture through the ancient art of calligraphy.

Halima’s work draws from Arabic and Urdu quotations from the Holy Quran, as well as Sufi poetry, reflecting on peace and the connection with her culture and heritage.

“Being an artist in residence at Youth ARC has given me the opportunity to grow as an artist,” Halima said. “I am very excited to have been given this unique opportunity to present my first solo exhibition as part of the launch of the YARC Gallery.”

The YARC Gallery provides young artists with support and assistance in the installation, de-installation, promotion, advertising, and coordination of their exhibition, as well as hosting an opening event.

“The YARC Gallery is an ideal space for Hobart’s young artists,” Community, Culture and Events Committee Chair Dr Zelinda Sherlock said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our young people, showcase their artistic talent, and provide an inside view and understanding of what goes into hosting these sorts of events.

“We have some incredibly talented young artists in this city, and Halima is a wonderful person to be selected for the gallery’s debut.”

Exhibitions at the YARC Gallery can be by individual artists, groups, schools, or by other organisations or programs that are working with young people. The gallery is open to the public every Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am to 2.30pm via the Collins Street doorbell entry.

Caption: Artist Halima A.Bhatti with work from her exhibition The Butterfly Effect.