AN exhibition of diverse artworks by former Wangaratta High School students Matthew Turk and Benjamin Steer, otherwise known as the Schneed Collective, is on display in the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library.
The Schneed Collective was formed by the aspiring regional artists in 2008; the pair - who grew up in Wangaratta and Whorouly South respectively and still visit regularly - drawn together by their shared passion for the odd and eccentric.
Early in their formative years, they released a flourish of musical projects, performing in groups Jamin Factory, Black Oak and Turtle Escape Capsule.
They also authored a screenplay for two seasons of a sketch comedy show and produced two segments, along with a series of music video clips and short films.
In recent years however, the Schneed members say their interests have matured and they have focused their efforts on the contemporary art space.
Latest Stories
On display in the Bainz Gallery are two bodies of work, the Klean Collection (2023) and Supine LXXXVI (2024).
Matthew Turk says the intention of the Klean Collection was to explore Australian themes in a “clean art” environment - capturing contemporary style while avoiding messy visual experiences.
"The ‘K’ in Klean pays homage to the various Australian animals sharing the same first letter: the Koala, Kangaroo, Kiwi and Kookaburra," he says.
"The collection features primarily acrylic on canvas, and the digitally illustrated Man Chair."
For the Supine LXXXVI Collection, the Schneed Collective wanted to capture the idea of “looking at the world differently”, from an angle or perspective not usually captured.
Matthew says he stumbled upon the original idea after losing his keys under the fridge, finding himself on his back on the kitchen floor.
Stretching to recover his lost item, he realised how strange and alien the space felt from an unusual angle, and this way of thinking is how Supine LXXXVI came about.
"The Roman numerals are a tribute to the collective ages of the Schneed members, along with the age of collaborator and ex-Wangaratta local, Steve Curcio," Matthew said.
"Supine uses primarily acrylic on canvas, with some small use of scavenged car accessories to provide texture to the piece 'youdontknowmebutyouhurtmeeveryday'."
Recently the Schneed Collective has found new inspiration in both the Incoherents art movement, and the use of highlighters.
They intend to combine these elements in their next collection - planned to be unveiled in 2025 - while also potentially integrating elements of performance art into their next exhibition.
See the work of the Schneed Collective in the foyer of the Wangaratta Library until the end of July.
