Local artist Callum Preston has returned to his roots with his latest vibrant exhibition, Back and Forth, unveiled during Hume’s Winter Lights Festival in June at Broadmeadows Town Hal.
Since its opening night, crowds have been drawn in as visitors have come from across the community to experience Preston’s colourful, movement-filled works.
“It was amazing to watch people interact with the pieces and share their own stories,” Preston said.
Growing up in Westmeadows, Preston said exhibiting so close to home carried deep and personal meaning.
“As a kid, I didn’t know much about galleries or art shows beyond the odd school trip to the NGV,” he said.
“To now be showing my work in a community space like this, meeting locals and talking about their own creative journeys – it’s such a rewarding experience.”
Preston’s latest works were made as a testament to his time growing up in Hume, as he said the spirit of his childhood was in mind throughout his creative process.
“This work was made with the spirit of my childhood in mind, and the feeling that the wide open suburban spaces gave me, so I feel that it is very important to where I grew up and the proximity to where it’s being shown,” he said.
“I am known for a lot of nostalgic work, which is 100% inspired by my upbringing.”
Preston believes community art spaces like those in Hume play a vital role in fostering creativity.
“It’s so important for people of all ages to have access to local art and see that they can be part of it too,” he said.
Preston’s exhibition can be viewed at Broadmeadows Town Hall until Friday 24 October.
