Emergence opens at Southgate: A celebration of art, resilience and recovery

A powerful new exhibition exploring creativity, recovery and the human spirit has opened at Southgate Gallery in Southbank, shining a light on how art can help rebuild lives after trauma.

Titled Emergence, the exhibition features works by Viren Barar, a former IT professional and self-taught artist who turned to painting following a massive stroke nearly three years ago that left him with aphasia and apraxia, severely affecting his speech and comprehension.

Officially launched on November 9, the event was attended by City of Melbourne councillor and community and city services portfolio lead Gladys Liu, alongside representatives from the Stroke Foundation, local residents and supporters from across Melbourne’s creative community.

Supported by the City of Melbourne’s Connected Neighbourhood Small Grant Program and Southgate Gallery, Emergence is both a deeply personal journey and a broader message of hope – showing how art can transform lives, foster connection and promote wellbeing.

This exhibition isn’t just about celebrating an achievement,” the organisers said. “It’s about igniting passions, uncovering potential, and reminding us that creativity has the power to heal and connect.

The opening included an information session with Stroke Foundation StrokeSafe speaker Antonia Arfaras and speech pathologist Zoe Singer, who shared insights into the realities faced by stroke survivors and their carers. A live music performance and a children’s art workshop, Paint the Dream, added to the sense of community and inclusion that defines the exhibition.

Viren’s bold, abstract works capture his experience of navigating communication challenges and rebuilding identity through creative expression. Each piece reflects what he describes as the transformation of “the noises in the brain into an immersive force” – an invitation for viewers to find beauty in resilience and meaning in imperfection.

Cr Liu praised the exhibition for embodying the spirit of community and recovery that the Connected Neighbourhood program aims to support.

Emergence runs until November 30 at Southgate Gallery (Shop U5, Upper Level, 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank). Entry is free. •