Art that takes a stand

A free international exhibition showcasing some big names such as David Arteagoitia, Josl Bergner, Michael Leunig, Shaun Tan and Nick Ut will engage Docklanders with thoughts about peace and war until January 10.

Curated by American artist and human rights advocate William Kelly in partnership with the City of Melbourne and Monash Art Design and Architecture (MADA), the Peace Not War: Art That Makes a Stand exhibition is a major one to arrive on Docklands’ events calendar.

This exhibition follows Mr Kelly’s well-received Peace Or War exhibition at the State Library in 2016 and explores notions surrounding how art could make a stand to reduce conflicts in the world.

Mr Kelly said the exhibition showcased international artists who, through their art, reflect and represent compassion, reconciliation, love, respect, environment and human rights.

“It’s looking at the fundamentals and being able to say we really need to deal better with each other than we do,” Mr Kelly said.

Mr Kelly said Docklands’ history corresponded with the “Peace Not War” theme.

“Historically, Docklands was where the troops left to go to war zones. It’s also a place where a lot of refugees and asylum seekers came following World War I and II into Melbourne,” Mr Kelly said.

“It’s been a place that’s seen people from all over the world coming and going for many decades and is part of the larger migration story.”

“And it’s useful for people to know the history and be able to think (Docklands) is an active working dock that has a history linked to the entire rest of the world,” Mr Kelly said

The exhibition also features Monash University’s communication design students’ interactive media creation, led by Dr Vince Dziekan.

Peace Not War: Art That Makes A Stand will run at Library at the Dock’s gallery space until January 10.