Surf Coast Times & Bellarine Times

Love is on tour and heading to Geelong this month with some important motivations and messages from award-winning artist Cath Johnston.

Rainbow Love – an interactive, evolving sculpture – unites the hopes and dreams of all who contribute to raise awareness to the issues faced by same-sex couples and serves also as an exploration into what love actually means.

The word ‘Love’ stands 1.4 metres tall and forms the blank canvas through which change, tolerance, acceptance, hope and equality can be borne out of messages written and tied and the exhibition is quite timely amid the current political climate, according to Ms Johnston.

“It is time people woke up, and see that love is what it is. The sculpture strips away stereotypes, and just brings the debate back to the emotion.

“It will bring people together to tackle issues of isolation in remote and regional areas, advocate change against legal and social discrimination, develop social connectedness, raise awareness to issues and generate acceptance.”

By writing a hope, wish or dream and tying it to the sculpture, participants can contribute through artistic expression to generate groundswell for change around gender discrimination and legislature.

“It’s a beautiful and subtle way for the message to be spread,” said Ms Johnston.

“Rainbow Love is received well wherever it appears. It seems to touch people’s hearts with its simple message of inclusivity and acceptance of love in all of its forms.”

The exhibition coincides with a month of activities by the City of Greater Geelong youth development unit, including a public forum presented by the Geelong Adolescent Sexuality Project (GASP).

Rainbow Love will be on display in the Courthouse ARTS gallery, corner of Geringhap and Lt Malop St, Geelong, from October 24 to November 18, with the official opening on Friday, October 28 at 6pm.