Seasons of self: a timely reflection

This reflective paper explores the conceptual dialogues emerging from the exhibition On Ageing, curated by art therapist Skye Rogers at Chrissie Cotter Gallery in Camperdown, Sydney, in early 2025. Twenty-eight artists, including nine artist/art therapists, responded to themes of ageing through diverse creative contributions, exploring what it means to age, witness ageing in themselves and others, and consider growing older in the 21st century. Despite their varied approaches, the artworks created a cohesive response that examined contemporary ageing experiences through multiple mediums and perspectives. Accompanying workshops wove narrative connections between the pieces, creating safe spaces for visitors to witness, explore, and challenge social norms that limit our understanding of the scope and vitality of ageing. Together, the artworks and workshops offered fresh perspectives on the complexity and transformative potential of ageing. This project included the author’s own exploration through her painting in the exhibition and workshop facilitation, contributing to the broader contemporary dialogue about reimagining our relationship with the ageing process.