Introspective Connection Art Series

Art Opening Ceremony

From June 15 to June 26, 2021, the "Introspective Connection" art series was held at The Main Gallery in Adelaide, South Australia. Curator and renowned Chinese-Australian poet Aileen attended the opening ceremony and gave an exclusive interview. The gallery's director, Ozlem Yeni, mentioned that in these times of confusion and uncertainty, artists are continually reflecting on their connection with the world and with each other. Rebuilding the thriving artistic connections from before the pandemic is the main significance of this art series.

Exhibition Highlights

Works by artists John Campbell, Genevieve de Jong, Olivia Dryden, Bernadette Freeman, Sally Goldsmith, Jemima Lambell, Simone Linder-Patton, Kylie Nichols, and Stella Vänskä were showcased during the event. Through various artistic mediums like painting and sculpture, these artists conveyed their reflections during the pandemic and expressed their longing for renewed connections in the post-pandemic era.

Artist Interviews and Conversations

The conversation with the artists and the interview with Aileen was moderated by Ozlem Yeni. The artists discussed how witnessing the collapse of global structures highlighted the fragility of humanity. Yet, the forced isolation and stillness of the world offered a chance for rebirth, recalibration, and a focus on what truly matters in the future. "Introspective Connection" reflects each artist’s personal experiences of isolation, comparing life before and after the pandemic.

In her interview, Aileen also shared insights from her recently published poetry collection, "Emotions of the Iris," which features cross-disciplinary collaborations with contemporary artists like Jian Yong Yang, Wei Guan, Gang Liang, and Wenlong Ye from China and Australia. She further discussed the environmental protection and life-cherishing public art initiative "Love of Nature, Depths of Life," launched by Sydney artists in the post-pandemic era. The project has garnered both in-person and global online support, progressing in accordance with the realities of the pandemic.

Gallery director Ozlem Yeni, a well-known contemporary artist in South Australia, has long used art as a tool to support charitable causes. She has contributed to ZONTA Club, an international organization focused on women's empowerment, and worked towards improving women's status. As the chief planner of the "Pink Hope, Heal the World" event in October 2020, Aileen expressed her desire to invite South Australian artists to participate in this year's "Marvelous Her" public art event for Pink October. Ozlem Yeni gladly accepted the invitation.

The "Introspective Connection" art series not only brought together people who had been separated by the pandemic but also encouraged artists to deeply reflect on how to combine art and charity, strengthening and leading the interaction and connection of diverse communities.