Press Release | Ziril Starrz | Director

A new short course for visual artists has been developed to explore the relationship between humans and nature  through "Fantasopian Art".

Diamond Arcania art director  Ziril  Starrz has developed  the course Fantasopian Therapeutic Arts in Practice which will begin in February at his studio.

"It's  purpose  is to give the facilitator and student a framework and understanding of  visual art expressions that explore  the  relationship  between humans and plants," Ziril said.

"Fantasopia" comes from two words fantasy and utopia.  Fantasopian Therapeutic is a study of  therapeutic plants and their energy as the form of  art and science.

"The course consists of the following  structure fields art, metaphysics  and horticulture."

Having grown up in Rockhampton, Ziril has spent the past five years in Mosman, New South Wales, to study before moving back to expand his  art concept.

"My mother is Torres Strait Islander community elder Aunty Annie Gela, as most people know her," Ziril said.

"She is also an artist who does more traditional art based on Torres Strait Islander styles, so as a kid, I was always involved in art.  Down south, I was working on a project based on a Torres Strait Islander legend called Gelam, the man from Moa, which was super exciting.

"But it ended up going into this other space where I began to learn more about myself and develop my own style and concepts."

Within the course, Ziril hopes to guide others through the use of watercolours in one-on-one sessions or team exercises.

"Depending on the person's  ability, the  course can be completed within two days but can also take up to four  weeks," Ziril said.

"While people can choose  to complete  the workshops on their own, they can also participate in a team environment which I enjoy  because I think the workspace can be quite  toxic, so it's a nice creative way for everyone to  chill out in a therapeutic environment.

"Sutdents can build their portfolio in the program, which will go  towards a Fantasopian Art Exhibittion later this year."

For more  information on Fantasopian Art, Ziri will host a session on Monday, 16  January 2022, at 2/160 Denison Street at 1pm.