100 Canberra, The National Exhibition is the incredible result of an awe-inspiring intergenerational art project presented by Embraced. Exploring the exhibition it clearly has an emotional impact on visitors as you learn about the people and stories of the relationships built during the course of the art project. Embraced seeks to break down negative stereotypes of ageing and harness the wisdom and experience of the older generations and this exhibition goes a long way towards achieving that.
The Centenarian Portrait Project by Teenagers introduced 465 hundred-year-olds to 465 teenage artists from all walks of life across all corners of Australia. The art created is a celebration of 100 of these relationships through portraits created and insights shared.
The 100 Canberra Art exhibition is currently being showcased at Belconnen Arts Centre in Canberra until 2nd July 2023. It’s a stunning collection of some of the artwork created during this ambitious large-scale intergenerational art project and a heart warming journey as you learn about the stories of the lives of those who took part – both the one hundred year olds and the teenagers and what their learnt during the process.
I don’t know what’s more interesting the artworks themselves, all carefully crafted in different styles, or the stories behind them. Exploring the gallery you will discover a variety of styles of portrait on display. I enjoyed marvelling at the different styles of art and reading the stories of the people whose portraits are on display. I was also fascinated to read about the different interactions that the artists had with the person they were drawing or painting, with some building lasting friendships, while others found a disconnect, and all gaining a deeper understanding of the different generations.
100 Canberra is inspiring, uplifting and a moving experience as you get to see a variety of portraits, different artistic style sand learn a lot about the individuals behind the portraits, human nature, marvel at the generational differences and perhaps even ponder what life might be like if you make it to 100.
I highly recommend the exhibition and encourage everyone to go and visit. It’s hoped that the project will also help to inspire people to take action to develop and deepen their own intergenerational connections.
The exhibition is running at the Belconnen Arts Centre in Canberra until Sunday 2nd July 2023.
