Deams Unveils New Artwork At Melbourne Polytechnic


Produced in association with Melbourne Polytechnic

Melbourne artist DEAMS (of AWOL Crew fame) creates works in which you see the collision of his aesthetic touchstones: graffiti writing, expressionist abstract form, and the kaleidoscope-like interaction of geometric shapes. He was enlisted by creative industries education and training hub, Melbourne Polytechnic Prahran in partnership with ZenithOptimedia Melbourne, to create an original artwork in collaboration with students Tayla Broekman and Shawn Lu (from NMIT – Melbourne Polytechnic’s parent institute). Deams has finally unveiled the finished product – a dynamic piece charged with chaotic energy – in Melbourne Polytechnic’s Visual Arts building. Preview the piece below, plus our artist interview after the jump…

What was it like working with the Tayla and Shawn? Working with the students was not only an inspiring exchange but also acted as a guide to my early development on the piece. A conversation every few days, reminded me of the broader context of the work and motivated me to review my decisions with continued feedback. Their presence also reminded me of my love for conversation over my work and how it shapes and changes the way I think, feel and paint.

Works by students Tayla Broekman (L) and Shawn Lu (R)

How were their ideas represented in the piece? We sat together around a table and settled on a few key ideas that where important to convey within the painting. Looking deeper into the brief meant exploring the students personal experiences within an institutional context and what they felt made the journey inspiring for them. Taking these things into consideration coupled with the core philosophy of Melbourne Polytechnic, I shared with the students how I would take what information or feelings I wished to convey, and translate them into an image using my own visual language. This process evolved with continued input from the students, resulting in our early concept sketches.

The importance of these workshops was great but I had to remind the students of the fine line between art and design and that if we gave ourselves too many rules or guidelines and focused purely on addressing the brief that their would be no room for spontaneity, for truth and for emotion. It is important for me not to have too much conversation over such things, there is a time for using the mind and a time for using the soul, they must work in unison in order to create great art.

Can you talk us through the final artwork and your thoughts on the finished product? The painting represents the immeasurable creative energy ‘passing through’ the boundaries of the institution. By creating an internal boundary (in white) I have illustrated that creativity has no boundaries, so much so that the composition appears to extend past the boarders of the canvas itself. This was important in illustrating the unknown. As each student embarks on a creative journey they must embrace the reality that the height of their achievements are unknown, there are only questions and dreams that with the right support and education can become reality. The small but intense segments of colour that dance between the torrent of energy represent a range of experiences; a creative breakthrough, a new found love, a deep exchange of wisdom with a teacher or clear sense of direction.

I hope that the piece I have created will serve as a source of continued inspiration for the students for years to come.


Photo credit: Dean Sunshine

For more on DEAMS‘ work head to www.vivideams.com, Swoop and Melodie and the AWOL Crew Facebook.
For more information on Melbourne Polytechnic Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees, please phone 03 9269 1900 or visit melbournepolytechnic.edu.au.

Shot By: Dean Sunshine of Land of Sunshine + Liz McLeish of Street Smith

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