Magical Interiority
Aven Hodgess

15 June - 6 July 2024
Opening Reception: Thursday 23rd May, 6 - 8 pm
West End Art Space

Artist Statement

Aven Hodgess is a Melbourne based artist, who’s work is intuitive and process lead. Aven makes abstract figurative images to engage the mind, the eye and to speak to image making.

She works on X-Ray's that make visible to what lies beneath our skin, showing the mysterious magic of our body’s interiors. X-rays reveal the unseen, exposing our bodies' vulnerabilities and mortality. Some X-ray images are displayed on light boxes, offering different interpretations with the light on or off, and viewers are encouraged to switch between them.The series of small collages titled ‘Sensory Poems’ uses found anatomical images and fabrics. Each image is alike a short Poem, each one intimate and unique.

Drawing from her experiences with illness and disability, Aven finds meaning and beauty in both darkness and light.

Aven studied Fine arts at RMIT in 1984 then onto VCA to complete a BA in Painting in 1990. Aven was represented by Judith Pugh gallery in 1986 when still a student at the VCA. Following the close of the gallery in 2004, Aven continued participating in group and solo Exhibitions. Including a group show at Watters Gallery in Sydney, Global Travelling Project and the Luciano Benetton Collection.

Aven has won awards at BSG Gallery and an Acquisition Award at St Vincent Hospital Gallery and a twelve months residency at Trades Hall, Melbourne.

Aven’s work is acquired in:

The Continental Collection.
CFMEU Collection -Trades Hall.
Brunswick Street Gallery Collection.
St Vincents Hospital Art Collection.
Private Collections In Australia and USA.