A launch event to remember: 'Mother vs Human Nature’ by Michael Burrowes

We were so lucky to attend the launch event of ‘Mother vs Human Nature’, Michael Burrowes’ first solo exhibition at Whitehorse Artspace. Michael is a gifted artist who creates incredible artwork that mixes up all kinds of mediums and techniques - check out the pictures below.

At the launch event, held within the Whitehorse Artspace’s First Nations foyer – Michael shared how he came to be an artist and specifically the artwork on display during the ‘Mother vs Human Nature’ exhibition.

“When I was little, I loved to draw. I learnt to draw from my grandfather, he is an artist just like me. My cousin from my mum’s side of the family is an artist as well,” said Michael.

“I started making art in my early teens when I went to Arts Project Australia and… I have been making art ever since, at home and at various studios. I am so very happy, for my show is finally here.”

After being postponed many times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdowns, the exhibition was a long-time coming, particularly for Michael himself.

“During lockdowns I was disappointed when the show was rescheduled a few times. When I couldn’t go to the studio, I adapted to making art online,” said Michael.

Michael drew on the events of the world around him to create the artworks on at the ‘Mother vs Human Nature’ exhibition.

“My work and exhibition draw attention to the impact of global warming on Australian animals, like the Australian bushfires and Queensland floods,” said Michael.

“I use bright emotional colours in my work. My free way of creating brush strokes represents my freedom and the gentle soul in me,” said Michael.

Also featured as part of the exhibition were impressive drawings and artwork of people, where Michael adopts a more graphic style, with strong line work to represent the people and emotions around him. His portraits are inspired by cartoons and TV shows like Scooby Doo and The Addams Family.

Michael, who lives at a Yooralla residential service and attends our Box Hill Community Hub, has visions for the future include teaching life skills education to people with disabilities and being a qualified art therapist. With his own art, he would like to go travelling around the world.

​​​​​​​We encourage you all to get down and check out the exhibition! You can read more about it on the Box Hill Town Hall website and check out the pictures below.

Exhibition details:

Date: Saturday 29 October - Friday 26 November 2022

Location: All Nations Foyer at Whitehorse Artspace

Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill