A free exhibition is coming to Melbourne’s CBD, and it will be set against the backdrop of a retro locker room. This exhibition, Locker Room Talk, will showcase over 30 female and non-binary artists, prompting positive and meaningful discussions. On top of the artwork, there will also be a workshop, a panel discussion and a celebratory night. Locker Room Talk will take place at No Vacancy Gallery from March 28 to April 3.
Locker Room Talk
This exhibition began as a way to respond to the pressures of being a woman in work and in life. Curated by Kate Pullen and Louise Brough, this show will flip negative locker room talk, and turn it into something positive. It aims to be a friendly space for women to explore and communicate their feelings and experiences through art.
“From a young age, I learned that there were expectations around how I should look, what I should be interested in, how I spoke, and what my life goals should be, all based on my gender,” said Kate. “Sometimes these were direct, other times much more subtle, and I didn’t really become fully aware of their presence or power until my late 20s and early 30s.”
Exhibiting artists include Pink Bits, Samantha Curcio, Yan Yan Candy Ng and more. This exhibition will be free to attend, and there will be art available for sale.
“Locker Room Talk is important to help individuals realise that they aren’t alone in their uncertainties, doubts and journeys,” said artist Vanessa Bong. “This can provide a comfortable environment to help us be more compassionate towards ourselves and others.”
There will also be three events during the exhibition. They are:
Craft with Kitiya Palaskas
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how art can raise awareness about political and social issues with craft-based designer and author Kitiya Palaskas. Draw inspiration from the activist art movement, and create your own unique poster or flag. You’ll combine digital technology, paper collage, stencilling and typography to create something significant to you.
This workshop will run on Tuesday March 29. Two sessions are available, from 5:30 to 7pm and from 7:30 to 9pm. Each session will cost $25.
Panel Discussion
Attend a discussion featuring five women from different creative backgrounds. Aimee Carruthers, Ashley Ronning, Katarina Matic, Rachel Worcou and Jes Harris have all gone on different journeys throughout their creative careers. This panel discussion will cover practical topics, like money, and harder discussions, like managing a job that is linked to your sense of self. Connect with other creatives by attending in person for $15, or watch it conveniently online for $10.
This panel will take place on Wednesday March 30, from 6pm to 8pm.
Friday Night
At this celebratory night, you’re welcome to come along and see the exhibition, pick up cute merchandise, spread positive messages and try a free espresso martini. There will also be a DJ pumping some good tunes.
This event is free, and will run from 6pm to 10pm on Friday April 1.
Meanwhile, find the full list of artists here.