FORGET the idea that ageing means slowing down.
In an upcoming exhibition at South Fremantle Continental Cafe from May 23 to June 3, a group of senior artists prove that creativity doesn’t fade with age, it evolves.
The exhibition is organised by UnYoung Chronicles, a community- based initiative that challenges common stereotypes around ageing through creative expression.
“The purpose of the exhibition is to tell or to show younger people that when you’re over 60, there is still a good standard of life left,” photographer Tim Grant said.
Frail?
Older Australians can often be portrayed as frail, a burden to society and incapable of learning new things.
However, many retirees continue to live creative and active lives, with artists involved in the exhibition reflecting that shift.
Grant, fellow photographer Kaaren Malcom and author Annie de Monchaux are using their work to challenge outdated perceptions of ageing and promote the idea of positive ageing as a time for connection, contribution and personal growth.
Monchaux, an English-born Western Australian writer, said many of her works were inspired by stereotypes around older people.
“I only write about the older people,” she said.
“But to hopefully defy stereotypes, offering options, and optimism”.
Like many of the artists involved, Monchaux hopes the exhibition encourages people to take a more positive perspective on ageing and see retirement as a time to express creativity.
Grant’s photography acts as a kind of time capsule for his subjects, placing youth and old age side by side to reflect on identity and the passage of time.
His work invites viewers to consider how, despite changing appearances, people remain the same person they were years earlier.
“I do what makes me feel good,” Grant said.
“One of my life’s main enjoyment’s is creating photographs.”
Malcom, who uses an iPhone to transform everyday scenes into works of art, said creativity helped challenge assumptions around ageing.
“You see that moment, and you go, ‘oh my god, that is the one’,” Malcom said.
She described art as “making you feel useful”.
Malcom also uses social media to share her work and connect with other artists, challenging assumptions older people do not engage with online platforms.
“You can share art, discuss, and pick up ideas,” she said.
“I have a website where I get 100s of people looking at my photographs,” Grant adds.
For six weeks a diverse range of photographs, sculptures, oils, acrylics and writing will be displayed throughout the cafe, with each work reflecting themes of identity and creativity.
Unlike a traditional gallery, the cafe setting creates a more open environment for both art lovers and casual visitors.
“I think because it’s held in a cafe, we have no control over who comes in, which is wonderful,” Monchaux said.
The artists hope the exhibition sparks discussion between generations and encourages younger people to rethink assumptions about ageing.
by AMELIA DILLON
