Based on Walter Hopps' 36 Hours project, held at MOTA (Museum of Temporary Art), Washington, USA in 1978, open call exhibition After Walter Hopps returns to Platform Arts.
When Platform Arts opened their gallery to artists of all ages and disciplines in 2022 the result was nothing short of amazing. Walls, floor and the ceiling rails of Platform Arts Gallery One space were covered and coloured with paintings, sculptures, visual art designs and tapestry during the debut After Walter Hopps exhibition.
The hugely successful exhibition in 2022 displayed over 200 works and supported 150 artists, culminating in an auction event that brought together members of the arts community from across Western Victoria.
After Walter Hopps Key Dates
- AUG 12—31 | Artists can bring in works to be installed by Platform Arts
- SEP 04—20 | The exhibition is open to the public, and the auction opens
- FRI SEP 20 | Closing party with final bids accepted
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
View this post on Instagram
This exhibition is inspired by Walter Hopps 36 Hours project, a durational piece that invited artists to take a single work to the gallery of MOTA (Museum of Temporary Art) without any chance of rejection or censorship. A renowned non-conformist, maverick curator, and transcender of boundaries, Walter Hopps’ seminal project was a groundbreaking step in breaking down the gatekeeping on traditional galleries.
In similar fashion, rules are left at the door with After Walter Hopps as artists are invited to bring a piece to be displayed at the exhibition – choosing the space in which it will be displayed for the duration. From ceramics to print work, drawings to a bowl of salad, After Walter Hopps forced the gaze of what constitutes art whilst bringing together a cross-generational community of artists across a range of disciplines. A drawing from a 10 year old was displayed next to a piece from an artist aged in his 80’s in the first edition.
View this post on Instagram
The event was culminated in an auction where people could bid on works and take them home with them after the closing event.
Gallery Curator, Dr. Amber Smith says, “Platform Arts will accept anything that the maker wishes to call art, that can fit through the gallery doors, that can be constructed in the space, or that happens or is performed in the space.
Ahead of the official launch, Platform Arts are reaching out to artists, putting forward a save the date. Submission for artwork will be accepted from 12 to 31 August with a first-in-best-dressed view on space. The exhibition will then be open for public viewing from 4 – 20 September, with the auction component open for bidding.
View this post on Instagram
The exhibition will end with a closing celebration on Friday 20 September where final bids will be made and the works will all be celebrated.
After the incredible response to its inaugural iteration, After Walter Hopps 2024 is predicted to achieve sublime curatorial chaos, and they would love the community to get involved.
Further information about Platform Arts and After Walter Hopps can be found here.
