National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Top Arts 2022 Exhibition Opening 

On the 16 March Tamy, Shaunagh and myself were honored to be invited to the opening of the Top Arts exhibition at the NGV to celebrate the artistic success of Grace Palumbieri.

The NGV’s annual Top Arts exhibition celebrates the exceptional work of students who have completed VCE Art or Studio Arts in 2021. The NGV received 1364 applications for the exhibition. Grace’s sculptural installation, Rusted sculptures was one of only 47 works that were selected for the 2022 exhibition. 

This year’s exhibitors were selected based on key criteria including conceptual development, technical excellence, aesthetic considerations, awareness of past and contemporary art practices, individuality, and innovation. 

Grace in ‘Rusted Sculptures’ investigates how the meaning attached to particular things can be lost or changed by altering context. In Rusted sculptures Grace models found objects using polymer clay and combines the objects to make new forms, stripping them of their original significance and purpose. A rusty metallic coating solidifies their new identity.  

The Top Arts Exhibition runs from the 17 March – 24 July at the Ian Potter Centre, NGV Australia, Federation Square. I encourage the MGC community to visit the exhibition and to support Grace by voting for her artwork in the People’s Choice Award.