Self taught artist Marion Vialade-Worch has challenged herself to bring a hybrid art exhibition to life; it’s been two years of work and learning along the way.

Next month she will launch a month-long art exhibition featuring live performances, behind the scenes insights and video, a virtual 3D gallery, virtual reality technology, collaboration with other Central creatives and work displayed on Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery’s walls.

The exhibition theme ‘Leave the World Behind’ is about her artistic journey, going beyond realistic drawing, to reinvent herself and her work.

“This hybrid format allows us to connect through art, inspire others, and build a sustainable, empowering model for creatives,’’ Marion said.

‘’Art reminds us of our shared humanity — it’s my way of helping others see the world differently.”

Being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) threw a curve ball her way in 2023.

“I didn’t think I had it, but I passed all the tests… I passed them really well.”

Being neurodiverse was intrinsically part of her art and the way her brain jumped around contributed to her creativity. 

After her diagnosis she spent time reading and researching ADHD and learning about what it meant for her.

“I had to leave realistic painting behind… and move to the abstract and figurative, working from memory,” she said.

The exhibition includes a series of paint and pastel landscapes, each which started with a photo or a sketch from a personal holiday.

Marion worked with a two hour time limit daily and “destructed” the original image, by asking herself “what do I like there, what is it that I’m attracted to?.”

Then the “little ones” turned into “big ones” and due to allergies she used paint she made herself and oil pastels.

“They are inspired by shape, colour or light,” she said.

“By making it bigger it brings people in . . . there is room for the viewer to come into the painting.”

The self-discovery continued as she completed a 30-day self portrait challenge in March. 

Creating a painting a day required discipline, focus and introspection, sitting in front of a mirror. 

A self portrait and painting in the upcoming exhibition. PHOTO: Supplied

“The feeling of finishing is addictive and it was exciting to get the feeling of ‘it’s done’.”

Through a new application the exhibition is accessible from anywhere in the world, and visitors can try out placing a piece of art in their living room using virtual reality.

Marion said as far as she is aware she is the only artist in New Zealand using the Artplacer app, giving her an opportunity to show her work more broadly, across the globe.

“The model of being in the gallery for me doesn't work. In the gallery game people like one thing and then [as an artist] you have to paint the same thing ten times… it’s not for me.”

Marion was at a point in her career where trying new things and having control of her work was key for her.

“My new hybrid art business model will have art, events and technology intertwined. It’s pretty exciting,’’ she said.

“I’m grateful to digital events strategist Jennnifer Kingen Kush for her help. I hope to see you there.”

‘Leave the World Behind’ will be at Central Stories in January. Keep updated via the What's On on The Central App.

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