A new exhibition at the West Gippsland Arts Centre explores the complexities of human experience.
Created by Maffra-based artist Ken Roberts, "Human/Nature" juxtaposes the natural world with the human condition, revealing the intricate web of emotions that define us.
From the vibrancy of life to the shadows of sorrow, the exhibition offers a profound reflection on our place within the world around us.
The exhibition features 34 artworks across levels three and four at the West Gippsland Arts Centre. Each artwork holds a double meaning, some are easy to interpret while others invite the viewer to think deeper.
"They can just be viewed as pictures in their own right but if you go through it and think about what you're looking at, each painting can have a double meaning," Ken explained.
"You can see it as just a picture of a butterfly but it's sort of got a double meaning in that they tell the story of human nature. This butterfly emerging from the chrysalis is sort of symbolic of birth. There's a cow's skeletal head which sort of shows death, but behind that is all this native flora, so it's sort of showing that after death, life continues."
Ken encouraged people viewing the exhibition to stop and think, and consider the meaning behind each piece.
A self-taught artist, Ken has honed his craft over many years. His work always reflects his interest in the people and world around him.
Ken's exhibition "Country Women" initially exhibited at Gippsland Art Gallery Sale and toured to other galleries including the Richmond Town Hall and Queen Victoria Women's Centre in the heart of Melbourne. He has been a part of many group exhibitions as well as more solo exhibitions.
Ken also is author of "Country Town Quilt" which tells the arc of life growing up in a country town through his own life and stories of others. He recently had a successful joint exhibition "THREE" at Stockyard Gallery Foster and won first prize at "Yarram Archies" portrait exhibition at Yarram Courthouse Gallery.
"Human/Nature" will remain on display at the West Gippsland Arts Centre until Friday October 10.