Art is not the good china.

Visitors at DOVA Collective gallery, Hay St Mall.

Lesley, Darryn, Brenda, Graham, Darren and James have all purchased original works of art from DOVA Collective over the last couple of weeks. They are not connected in any particular way, and they don’t conform to a specific category of ‘ideal client’. They come from different age groups, earn their living in different ways, and live in various urban and regional locations.

But they all have one thing in common. They value art for the aesthetic, intellectual, emotional, or psychological contribution it makes to their lives. 

Sometimes, people buy art because they are immediately drawn to a particular piece. They must have it. It speaks to them in powerful ways. At other times, people make considered decisions about an art purchase which take into account the physical space in their home or office, the ways in which the artwork will connect to other pieces or decorative items in the space, practical considerations such as transport and installation, and – of course – budget. For many, engaging with art is a joyful experience, even if purchasing a work isn’t on the cards for them right now. Others find viewing art a little perplexing or intimidating, but wish they knew more.

All of these are valid responses and are part of the typical range of encounters we have with people on a day-to-day basis. What’s important is engaging with art in whatever way that makes sense, and hopefully offers an interesting, enjoyable experience.

For DOVA Collective, being in a busy city Mall with passing foot traffic offers us a unique opportunity to connect people with a local, accessible, affordable art experience that might not otherwise occur. We’re hoping to master the art of the ‘gallery pop-in’.

Remember the good china that only came out for special occasions? That’s not how we see art. Art is for every day.

Local galleries are small havens of aesthetic relief from the madding crowd or a busy office. They can offer explorative lunch time adventures. They can provide uplifting stimulation amid an otherwise dull day. They can be insightful, inspirational, or at the very least offer a spark of creativity.

We invite you to lift up your head, put away your phones as you wander through the city, and take a good look at the visual feast on offer around you. We invite you to cross the threshold of a local gallery (yes there are quite a few in Perth!) and see what’s on the walls – go ahead and ask questions if you want, be curious.

And of course, we invite you to visit our lovely little space as part of your adventures – we love chatting to people about art in general and will happily share information about what’s on show. We are equally happy to leave you alone to experience the artworks in your own way. What matters most is getting the chance to make art a part of the everyday experience for as many people as possible.

Go ahead, give it a try.