Selected works from RMIT Culture collections and International Collections

Andrew Sibley, Angelicon, 1985

I am absolutely fascinated with ethereal forms in artworks. This artwork really stood out to me because of the use of red and blue contrast which have always symbolised feminine and masculine energies of life to me and having them together always feels empowering. I am always attracted to any form of spiritual expression in art because I also my writing to explore my own divinity. There is also a rawness in this work that I appreciate, with the line work giving a sense of ‘beyond’ form; alluding to a sense of spirituality that I connect with.

Andrew Sibley

Angelicon, 1985

Lithograph on arches paper

Edition: A/P

76.9 x 57 cm (sheet)

Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Dr Douglas Kagi, 2012 RMIT University Art Collection

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John Brack, Nude with Crimson Rug, 1976 I appreciate the way nudity is embraced in this artwork. I am always fascinated by the beauty of the human body and form, and the way that the simplicity of the human figure is captured without sexual intentions stands out to me. This embrace of the human body is very inspiring and highlights the simple moments of living as well as a sense of vulnerability. This is something I look forward to exploring in my own artworks.

John Brack

Nude with Crimson Rug, 1976 Watercolour, ink and conte on medium weight wove paper 45.5 x 65.7 cm (image)

Purchased by the RMIT School of Art, 1976 Edward Collection, RMIT University Art Collection

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Claude Monet, White Water Lilies’, 1899 In VCE Studio Arts I studied Claude Monet’s Impressionist work. I was drawn to his ability to capture brightness within his paintings. This sense of aliveness in his art has greatly influenced my own works, especially as I continue to explore light. Monet’s Lilies series in particular, inspired me to showcase the essence of feeling within the moments I try to capture in my art. It opened my mind to looking beyond seeing an artwork and to search for a feeling.

Claude Monet

White Water Lilies, 1989

Oil painting on canvas 89 x 93cm Pushkin Museum, Moscow

“White Water Lilies” by Claude Monet is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Link to artwork : https://pushkinmuseum.art/data/fonds/europe_and_america/j/2001_3000/ zh_3309/index.php?lang=en

Works by Alisha Mahendran

Keep your heart open

Keep your heart open is a poem directed towards regrowth. I found that this time of staying at home held tremendous potential to reflect upon events and use them as an opportunity to learn and develop. Keeping an open heart and staying hopeful is vital in allowing continuous growth. It is a universal truth that flowers grow from the nutrients of fallen leaves. Especially in the current circumstances, I wanted to share this message with everyone.

Tree of life

Tree of Life is a poem about the beauty of trees. It can be easy to forget about the beauty and importance of the nature around us when we live busy lives. But this time has really showcased the vitality of our natural environment. Going out for walks in nature has been extremely important to regenerate hope and excitement. This poem is a homecoming to this feeling of being connected with nature, and it is a way to appreciate its endless giving. I really wanted to highlight our fundamental connection with the natural environment; giving us life. It is this love and appreciation that I hope will motivate us to protect our planet.

Movement

Movement is a poem about the importance of staying active and flexible; both mentally and physically. In particular, this poem was to encourage people to stay healthy in lockdown and even do yoga every day! I have found that meditation and yoga has helped me both mentally and physically during these challenging times, to embrace this time and use it to grow. I really wanted to share this message and hope that it will inspire everyone to take care of themselves by staying healthy.

Spoorthi Marakkini

Spoorthi Marakkini, originally from Bangalore, India, has been honing her skills in illustrations and abstract art. Currently doing her Masters in Data Science at RMIT University, she uses her passion for art as a gateway from reality and the realms of Science. The themes for her art practice tend to originate from her thoughts and perspectives of the world around her.