PORTER’S TASTE OF HONEY AND PEPPER

Today, Ms Mary Porter AM opened a visual art exhibition at Belconnen Arts Centre: Honey & Pepper: Inspiration can come from anywhere. This is where it lives.

“Canberra is a thriving city with many people from all over the world who now call Australia home,” Ms Porter said.

“The six artists whose work we see tonight were born overseas. Their art illustrates how Canberra is enriched by its diverse and multicultural community, exploring issues of identity, belonging and place.”

“Some of the places represented are familiar ones, such as Silvia Velez’s depiction of Lake Ginninderra. Others are less familiar such as Farideh Zariv’s interpretation of the cultural meaning embedded in the delicate design of Iranian textile tradition,” said Ms Porter.

“The ACT Government’s vision is for a place where people of Canberra can reach their potential, make a contribution and share the benefits of such a community. I believe that this exhibition and events such as the National Multicultural Festival over this weekend prove this to be true” concluded Ms Porter.

Canberra based artists whose work is on display at this exposition include visual artists:
• Silvia Velez (photography),
• Maiju Altpere (ceramic),
• Nasser Palangi (mixed media),
• Fatima Killeen (oil on canvas),
• Farideh Zariv (mixed media), and
• Fatemah Palangi (oil on canvas).

Honey and Pepper: Inspiration can come from anywhere. This is where it lives exhibition can be seen at the Belconnen Arts Centre from 5 – 21 February 2010.

Statement Ends

Media Contact:

Andrew Hunter
02 6205 0428
0431 739 775
Andrew.hunter@parliament.act.gov.au

Or

Mary Porter
02 6205 0100
0414 480 440