Special Treat, was shown at Fremantle Arts Centre from Sat 04 Nov 2023 — Sun 28 Jan 2024.
Named for the feeling you get when you see a piece of art you love, for Hooyberg, a “special treat” is also the act of making, the act of finding, the lure of a shiny wrapper, a colorful speck in the sand, a glossy surface that hypnotizes.
Special treats are everywhere if you look for them—small moments of joy when you need a distraction from everyday life. This begins on daily beach walks, sifting through sand, where Hooyberg never fails to discover new trash—or in her case, treasures—that can be reimagined into something fun. These collected materials are woven, wrapped, and glued during meditative crafting to form a bright collection of works. Special Treat showcased Hooyberg’s extensive skills in ceramics, drawing, textiles, and perhaps most importantly, collecting.
Within the coastal landscapes of Wardandi/Whadjuk Boodja (Bunbury), Dionne Hooyberg’s art practice manifests her connection to the beaches she walks along every day. Special Treat was a testament to Hooyberg’s artistic ethos, where every piece is a reflection of her passion for creation and an ode to the beauty found in the objects collected during her walks. The exhibition was curated by Mariaan Pugh.
