General News
11 April, 2024
Exploring Apronstrings at Eureka Centre
Displaying more than 100 suspended aprons, a local artist’s latest exhibition is expounding on women’s selfless service across time — using the protective garment as a metaphorical gateway. Maryborough-based creative, Flossie Peitsch’s new...
Displaying more than 100 suspended aprons, a local artist’s latest exhibition is expounding on women’s selfless service across time — using the protective garment as a metaphorical gateway.
Maryborough-based creative, Flossie Peitsch’s new interactive showcase, Apronstrings, is now open for visitors at Ballarat’s Eureka Centre.
The deep blue aprons, a nod to the Eureka flag, represent “a large web of connection”, mirroring the “investment of heart and soul by the women” in the goldfields, according to Ms Peitsch.
“Aprons have always been a symbol of service,” she said.
“The [wearer] is likely not doing something just for themselves, but rather to benefit humanity. So it shows that women have a unique attachment to humanity.
“These aprons have eight points of contact, and that reflects our connection as a community — even though we have individual roles, we’re all connected in many ways.”
Even in the past, her work has sought to push viewers to reshape their thinking as they explore themes around women’s historical contributions.
“I’ve been on this [topic] for 50 years and I feel like I’ve barely made a scratch in the way women are perceived but changes are happening,” Ms Peitsch said.
“I like to think that my [work] will help somebody think differently about how women should be regarded.
“Women have many talents — we bring experiences that involve logic, emotion and determination and I think women have more influence than they realise.”
In her artist statement, Ms Peitsch states “women have a way of thriving — even on the goldfields” and this rich history makes her “proud to be a woman living and working as an artist in Maryborough today”.
Now, she’s hoping the local community will come out in support of the exhibition.
“I’m really thrilled that even though this installation is in Ballarat, it’s being endorsed by Maryborough residents,” she said,
“[Their backing] really warms my heart and it’ll be lovely to see that continue through the duration of the [display].
“There’ll be nothing that helps me settle more in Maryborough than to be considered part of the scenery.”
Apronstrings can be viewed from now until September 15, at the Eureka Centre on 102 Stawell Street South in Ballarat — museum entry fees apply.