Artist Feature: Maria Simonelli – Whispers from the Grove
We’re delighted to announce that Maria Simonelli will be exhibiting with Romulus Folio in our upcoming show Whispers from the Grove, opening September 12 at The Gladstone in South Melbourne.
Maria is both an artist and environmental advocate whose practice sits at the intersection of creativity, ecology, and social change. Over her career she has witnessed the environmental debate evolve, with growing urgency reflected in her art. She believes the arts have a unique ability to cut through noise, inspire dialogue, and open pathways toward sustainability.
A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, Maria has exhibited widely and is a past recipient of the Lighthouse Art Award and the Jindivick Sculpture Exhibition Award for best use of non-traditional materials. Her work consistently pushes the boundaries of how art can transform waste and remnant materials into sculptural forms that tell stories about our future.
Make Light Not War
Maria’s current project, Make Light Not War, encapsulates her vision for a world that embraces renewable energy and ecological consciousness. These sculptural works challenge myths surrounding renewable technology, highlighting instead its potential and optimism.
Created from organic and discarded materials such as palm fronds, the works are integrated with efficient lighting and solar chargers, making them self-sustaining. Their forms carry a natural elegance, while the soft glow of light adds an ethereal quality. Together, they embody both beauty and function, inviting us to reflect on consumption, sustainability, and our shared responsibility to the planet.
“Art and design give people permission to engage, ask questions, and understand, amongst the noise of conflicting information. My practice provides a way to have conversations about the overconsumption patterns of our society.” – Maria Simonelli
Exhibition Details
Whispers from the Grove
Romulus Folio Gallery at The Gladstone, 55 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne
September 12 – 28, 2025
Opening Night: Friday, September 12, 5–7pm
Held in joy with The Gladstone’s monthly social night — an evening of art, connection, and community.