Sharing the creative buzz

Affixing yet another picture to the Burton Activity Space wall

Budding curator Kate Blair-West recently undertook her work experience with ACMI’s Exhibitions team. Here’s what she had to say about the thousands of drawings created by the public during Tim Burton: The Exhibition.

 Whoever has said that they can’t draw obviously didn’t spend any time in ACMI’s Activity Space at the Tim Burton Exhibition, because it seemed as if there were troops of mini Burtons evolving across Melbourne.

Whilst the space was created with kids in mind, it was great to see how many adults decided to join in the fun. When I was given all the artworks that were created in the Activity Space I was astounded by their quality. This made trying to pick the best of the bunch almost impossible and it took me quite a while to sift through all the pictures and choose my favourites, but here they are!

Snowy sights

I was quite intrigued by this picture. What I love about it is the amazing use of line work and colour, which draws the eye. It has a very eerie and astounding quality.

Psychedelic wonderland

This picture captured my attention straight away with its bright and vivid colours. I love that the face has been slightly abstracted and contorted, adding a degree of interest.

Strange rotund man

I thought that this picture was very cute and quirky. The person who drew this has cleverly exaggerated certain characteristics, just like Tim Burton himself, and there is some beautiful tone.

Dark-eyed and cadaverous

This picture is very reminiscent of Tim Burton’s sketches, with thin line work and sombre colours. I love that this character is a little peculiar.

Enlivened speech bubble

What’s great about this drawing is the contrast of patterns in conjunction with the lack of colour. This lopsided creature also seems to look a little mischievous, which is very cute.

Graves and toadstools

This picture is an explosion of colours and shapes. There’s so much to look at and the shapes have been slightly distorted, making the image very cheeky and whimsical.

Where creatures are discovered

This figure appears bewildered and enlightened. The image provokes thoughts of other worlds and new possibilities, just like Tim Burton’s creations.

Burton lookey-likey

I find it quite interesting to see Tim Burton depicted by the public. I love the gothic elements hat have been incorporated – it’s as if Tim Burton is a character in his own movie.

Hollow man

This drawing is almost unsettling. What’s captivating about it is the character’s blank eyes. In this way, it is a little creepy, especially in an image that is otherwise very usual.

Jackson-esque?

My favourite part of this drawing is the emotion that is portrayed; a look of interest and curiosity. The splash of colour enlivens the portrait, as do the exaggerated facial features.

Wind-up bird chronicle

The sweetness in this picture is very refreshing. Overall it’s quite quirky and there also seems to be a look of knowing in the creature’s eyes.