I am really proud of the work we produced – we formed a strong bond together as ‘The Space Makers’ and I feel we produced a really solid body of work.
"Throughout the workshops we had to overcome many hurdles, this gave me great insights into the resilience and perseverance required to be a Tutti artist. The Tutti artists demonstrated great care for one another and proved to be a tight community of professionals." — Arlon Hall
Adelaide Festival Centre's Artspace is currently hosting Making Space, a captivating exhibition showcasing the result of a collaborative partnership between Artspace and Tutti Arts, a renowned South Australian organisation dedicated to supporting learning disabled and neurodivergent artists across art forms.
Legendary abstract artist and educator, Arlon Hall was Adelaide Festival Centre’s inaugural Tutti Artist in Residence throughout October and November 2024, facilitating art workshops for the purposes of creating works for the exhibition now on display in Artspace.
"At Tutti we are passionate about creating professional pathways for learning disabled and neurodivergent artists. Through this residency, Tutti artists had the opportunity to work collaboratively with Adelaide Festival Centre, with Arlon and with each other."
For the artists, this project has pushed the boundaries of their practice in terms of scale, materials and collaboration. The resulting work is just incredible and was achieved in such a short timeframe.
The exhibition came together over a five-week residency at Tutti Arts Centre, led by South Australian abstract artist Arlon Hall, together with five talented Tutti artists: Lewis Constantine, Jasmin Jones, Megan Long, Scott Pyle, and Charlie Taplin. Together, the artists embarked on a creative journey that has yielded stunning and captivating artworks.
The artists have utilised a variety of recycled materials from the archives and storerooms of Adelaide Festival Centre, including vinyl banners, theatre posters, and house paint, to create large-scale paintings, sculptures, and installations. A striking 24-meter-long vinyl banner, painted collaboratively by all the artists, serves as a dramatic backdrop to the main feature wall.
Each artist brings their own unique perspective and artistic style to the exhibition. Jasmine's work sensitively considers colour and space; Scott creates monsters inspired by the Power Rangers and surf culture – all of whom have detailed backstories; Charlie's repetitive shapes and patterns; and Megan's distinct and colourful natural motifs add depth and texture to the exhibition.
I have never seen someone spread paint with the confidence that Lewis Constantine applies to his lavish, dripping paintings – with their sweet pensive faces peering out from the canvas.
Through their collective efforts, the artists have created a space that invites viewers to pause, reflect, and appreciate the power of art to connect and inspire. Making Space is a testament to the transformative power of art and the importance of fostering inclusive and supportive creative communities.
Visit Making Space in Adelaide Festival Centre’s Artspace and the Adelaide Railway Station historic phone booths from 7 December 2024 until 25 January 2025. Artspace gallery is open 10am-3pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Artspace is proudly supported by Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation.
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