Seven of 11 original artworks have already sold before tonight’s opening of Lindisfarne artist Adele Auchterlonie’s new exhibition at Moonah Arts Centre.
The collection, titled Collective Memories, was born from more than 50 anonymous memories submitted by people from across Australia and around the world.
Auchterlonie asked her social media audience and mailing list to share a memory they never want to forget, without limits.
The responses ranged from love stories and grief to heartbreak, first loves and friendship.
“It’s like what brings us together and shapes us as humans,” Auchterlonie told Pulse.
She translated those submissions into 11 original paintings using her signature “memory map” process, which turns personal memories into symbols, colours and elements set against an abstract background.
Despite the memories coming from people in the United States, Dubai and across Australia, Auchterlonie said the same themes kept surfacing.
“The warmth of the summer, like moments of people that they love,” she said.
“They are individual to the people’s specific memories, but I feel like everyone will find a piece of them in these artworks.”
Some of the people who submitted memories have already purchased the paintings inspired by their stories.
Four works remain available for the opening night, which runs from 5:30pm to 7pm at Moonah Arts Centre.
The exhibition will be on display until September 19.
The show follows Auchterlonie’s sold-out Melbourne exhibition earlier this year at fortyfivedownstairs in Flinders Lane, which she described as a turning point.
The Lindisfarne artist has since taken another year of leave without pay from her job to pursue art full time.
“It’s gone better than I ever could have imagined,” she said.
“I’m so grateful for the support and the response to my work.”
Auchterlonie said she also plans to release the Collective Memories collection as limited edition prints.
