By ALESHA CAPONE
MICHAEL O’Hanlon is passionate about the importance of providing diverse role-models for young people in the West.
The Williamstown artist will exhibit his work at the Joel Gallery in Altona from 27 January to 12 February.
The show will feature works by gay artists from the western suburbs, including photography, paintings and mosaics, as part of the GOWEST festival.
In the West, the GOWEST is held every year by city councils as part of the Midsumma Festival.
GOWEST is part of the Midsumma Festival, Victoria’s annual gay and lesbian arts and cultural celebration.
“One of the reasons I’m so far out there and obvious about being gay is that I had no gay role-models growing up,” Mr O’Hanlon said.
“One of my reasons is that we need a whole host of diverse role-models in the West so young people can look and see, oh, there are other people who do it – CEOs, politicians, sportspeople, businesspeople, from all walks of life.”
Mr O’Hanlon is also a member of Hobsons Bay City Council’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (GLBTIQ) Community Advisory Committee.
He has been participating in several GOWEST shows at the Joel Gallery across the past few years.
“It can be quite a challenge to be a part of queer culture in the West,” Mr O’Hanlon said.
“There’s strength in numbers and I think having a visual presence helps. Every year the show gets a great reception.”
The Midsumma Festival exhibition and the Aids Memorial Quiltwill be on at the Joel Gallery, 5 Sargood St, Altona from 27 January to 12 February between 11am-4pm. Inquiries 9398 2511.
