Crossing Boundaries: The Journey From Teacher to Teaching Artist
Exhibition
Exhibition curated by Purnima Ruanglertbutr at George Paton Gallery, Melbourne, Melbourne, November 2012
Overview
About the exhibition
A collection of works by graduates of Melbourne University’s Master of Teaching (Secondary Art) program—these graduates explore the realities and implications of being both an artist and a teacher across diverse mediums while navigating their roles within the teaching profession.
MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the coverage surrounding this exhibition, including the media release, article in Shaping Minds 2014, artist interviews, opening speech by lead researcher Dr. Wesley Imms, and talk by guest speaker Associate Professor David Beckett.
Curator's statement
Concept
The newly graduated art teachers were tasked with responding to the theme ‘Crossing Boundaries.’ To facilitate this, I encouraged them to address issues regarding their self-perceptions of professional identity, whether as an artist, a teacher, or a teaching artist. This prompted their exploration of transitioning from being solely an artist to a teacher and eventually to a teaching artist. They delved into the joys and frustrations accompanying early career teaching and art-making, examining both the similarities and differences between the roles of an artist and a teacher, and grappling with the co-existence or conflict of artist and teacher identities.
The majority of these teachers created new works of art specifically for the exhibition or showcased pieces produced since completing their Postgraduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary Art). The result was a celebration of over 60 diverse works that explored the implications of art-making and teaching.
For a comprehensive rationale, read the curator’s full introduction in the exhibition catalogue and watch the opening speech.
Video
Exhibition Catalogue
Catalogue from the ‘Crossing Boundaries’ exhibition at Melbourne’s George Paton Gallery, showcasing vibrant artworks by graduates of The University of Melbourne’s Master of Teaching (Secondary, Art) program. Curated and edited by Purnima, it explores how art practices shape teaching methods, challenging traditional views and redefining art educators as dynamic ‘teaching artists’.
Curatorial Enquiries
If you are interested in engaging Purnima as a curator, writer, or editor for your exhibition, collaborating on a project, or seeking more information, please feel free to contact us.