Inspired by three generations of creativity, Tegan Geange’s debut solo exhibition explores identity, imagination and the joy of creating without boundaries.
FOR Tegan Geange, creativity isn’t something she does — it’s simply who she is.
Now, as she prepares to unveil her first solo exhibition, It’s A Small World at Logan Art Gallery, the emerging artist is inviting visitors into that world through a collection of deeply personal works celebrating resilience, recovery, cultural connection and the joy of creating without boundaries.
Surrounded by creativity from the very beginning, Tegan grew up in a family where making art was simply part of everyday life.
Her grandmother was a prolific painter whose works still hang in the homes of family members, while her father, poet, author and mental health advocate Justin Geange, found his own creative voice through poetry and storytelling.
“I always had that little creative spark,” Tegan said.
“People always wanted me to pick one medium, but I kept thinking, ‘Why?’
After successfully applying for a Logan Art Gallery exhibition grant last year, Tegan spent almost seven months creating the 10-piece collection.
“I’ve always had this long-term dream of creating an art school where people can come and experiment with different art mediums,” she said.
Rather than confining herself to one discipline, Tegan deliberately pushes herself to explore new techniques with every major project.
“I always try something different because it keeps my creativity fresh.”
“I think the way I was brought up has definitely shaped how I think.
“The more absurd or unusual an idea is, the more interesting experiences can come from it.”
Beyond artistic technique, creativity has also become one of Tegan’s greatest sources of strength, living with high anxiety and reflecting on years of undiagnosed ADHD during her school years, art has become both an emotional outlet and a form of personal therapy.
“Art really is therapy,” she said.
“It gives me a way to express things that I can’t always put into words.”
Featuring 10 intricate works, her exhibition running through until August 29 celebrates the city’s extraordinary diversity, inviting visitors from every background to recognise pieces of their own culture, travels or heritage.
“I wanted people from every background to walk in and recognise something,” she said.
“Whether it’s your own culture, somewhere you’ve travelled or just a familiar pattern, I wanted everyone to feel connected.”
