Lost Soles exhibition opens in Kalgoorlie-Boulder tonight

Homeless, couch surfing and cold — that’s what drove artist Claire Davenhall to move from Aberdeen to Australia 18 years ago.

It also inspired her Lost Soles exhibition, which opens tonight at Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s Goldfields Arts Centre.

Through the exhibition, Davenhall tells the story of the migration of people to Australia, having made the move herself.

The work explores the stories of those who have boarded boats in search of a better life.

Davenhall said she was inspired after a trip to Kastellorizo, a Greek island whose population was evacuated during World War II, with some after the war opting for a future in Australia, where there are now about 50,000 people with links to the island.

“It starts off there and then looks at the first fleet and woman convicts who came over here,” she said.

“They are sort of the ‘foremothers’ of Australia so I explored some of the things they had to endure through the pieces exhibited here today.”

Originating at Midland Junction Arts Centre, this is the second place the exhibit has been shown.

Goldrush and Moonboots are two items which feature remnants from Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Davenhall said she was inspired by the City’s landscape during a visit last year.

“The ground is almost metallic here and the trees look like bronze statues, which I love,” she said.

“There is a magnetic feel around the place which I tried to represent in my work.”

The exhibition opens today at 6pm at the Goldfields Arts Centre Gallery.

Most of the work will remain at the gallery until April 9.