Their work will be put on display at Bankstown Arts Centre for all to see from December 8 to February 18.
During the 2021 Covid lockdown, Hurlstone Park photographer Cara O’Dowd was inspired to set up a studio in front of her house so she could take photos of passers-by.
The project, which began as a simple act of kindness – giving her neighbours a portrait of themselves – evolved into much more.
Cara put 100 large-scale portraits on fences and walls in her neighbourhood, for people to discover on their walks. Now her project, known as ‘Lockdown Locals’, will be exhibited at Bankstown Arts Centre.
A second exhibition, ‘Seeking Colour’, also explores the theme of “joy and kindness in times of uncertainty”.
Artist Dania Shahkhan used her art to capture the emotive quality of people in specific places, and the beautiful way hands communicate with each other.
“In the search of finding moments of joy in the uncertainty of lockdown life, I started to paint in colour and larger in size than I used to, filling my tiny apartment with creative energy. My subject matter was an anonymous person looking out of a window or seated near an archway,” Dania said.
Mayor Khal Asfour says he’s looking forward to seeing the exciting new exhibitions.
“The idea of exploring kindness and joy in uncertain times is something we can all relate to,” Mayor Asfour said.
