I’m going a little out of order on my trip, as this exhibition opened towards the end of my stay, but I wanted to be able to share ASAP that there is a floor talk for the Words and Works from a World Away exhibition on this Thursday the 1st of August from 12.45-1.15pm, in the gallery (obviously!):
Project Space/Spare Room gallery
RMIT Building 94: 23-27 Cardigan Street
Carlton, Victoria, Australia
Now that the business is out of the way, a little more about the show!
I arrived in Melbourne from Brisbane (where the JMGA conference was held this year) on Monday the 15th of July and that afternoon I spent half a day on the installation with curator Claire McArdle where I got to see (and touch – with gloved hands) many of the pieces in the exhibition.
The exhibition features works from Estonian and Australian artists who are working in response “to statements from the other side of the world about their own country.” [text taken from the invitation.] So, as a convenient example, my work is in response to a phrase from someone called Janno, who spoke of many things including “five-foot spiders”. I encourage you to see the show to see what else s/he had to say, and how I responded with a work that weaves a small part of my own personal history as well as my penchant for using recycled objects into a piece of wearable jewellery.
Alongside the works in the gallery is a multimedia presentation that casts further light on the intent behind the pieces in the show. There is also a beautifully produced catalogue for purchase, in which is recorded all of the statements that each artist reacted to and the responses they gave in the form of both the work and artist statement, as well as includes a photo essay on the similarities and differences between Estonia and Australia.
Finally, the show closes on the 15th of August 2013. So you’ve got a bit more time to dodge the Melbourne rain and get amongst it!