A Geelong artist’s passion for facility infrastructure and drawing has led him to take out the top prize at genU’s artX exhibition.
Aaron Deans won the regional top award on April 3 for the official opening of the exhibition at Eastern Hub Community Centre’s Rachinger Gallery for his artwork titled Power House.
Mr Deans said he was overwhelmed with emotions and shaking from excitement when he was announced as the artX Regional 2025 winner.
“Ever since I was little, I would practice drawing buildings, power stations and control panels. It’s my passion (and) I’ve always loved that kind of media,” he said.
“Mum would take me to factories like the Geelong Refinery and on tours of ships and that’s all the inspiration from there you see (in the painting).”
A runner-up trophy was also presented to Christian Den Besten for his work, Queenscliff QG, and Ella Dalli received a highly commended award for her work titled Melting Happiness.
genU chief executive Clare Amies said it was great to feature works from artists who identified as living with disability or with a history of mental illness during the exhibition’s 17th year.
“We know how important art and creativity is for people who take the time to submit to the exhibition,” she said.
“This is the largest art exhibition in the Geelong region for people with disability and continues to highlight diversity and inclusiveness.”
The artX Regional exhibition will remain open to the public until Thursday, April 24.
