Exit Art
The next crop of top young aritsts are venturing out into the world after high school, but not before showing their prized work from their final schooling year in the annual Exit Art exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
There was a diverse array of mediums, themes and messages in this year’s batch of 52 artists. Off The Leash had a chat with Alex Phan, who won the Art Educators NT award for his self-portrait titled ‘Façade’.
Can you tell us a bit about your charcoal drawing ‘Façade’ and the concept behind it?
Ever since I was young I always had a problem with identity. When I was around certain people, I felt like I was wearing different masks – like when I’m around my friends I’m very outgoing, but around people I don’t know I’m more shy and timid and when I’m by myself I feel socially awkward.
I think a self-portrait was the best way to reflect that in myself.
How did it feel to have you work win an award?
It makes me feel proud of myself – it’s something that’s never happened to me before.
What was the attraction to art?
I like the idea of expressing myself and creating new things out of your own imagination.
What’s the next step?
In the future I think I’m going to settle with being a concept artist in the video game industry. Video games are one of my hobbies and I reckon creating art in that industry would be cool.
Until Sun 24 Mar | MAGNT | Free | magnt.net.au
