2 Mar 2024—20 Oct 2024

Materiality…but not as we know it

Materiality…but not as we know it

Image: Elliott Bastianon (detail) photo: Cassie Abraham

What does the adage ‘truth to materials’ mean today? When does a sculpture become a functional design object?

This exhibition explores the fluidity to these questions in contemporary creative practice.

Featured are new and recent works by 10 artists and designers, who each have an association with the Canberra region. They explore what happens when ancient geology becomes a wall treatment - when acid transforms smooth shiny copper into organic dripping furniture - and when rich coloured glass formed into a coolamon holds the cultural knowledge of the flow of water on this Country.

During the exhibition, we invite audiences to contribute by collaborating on the making of a sculpture with artist, Lucy Irvine, that will float out from the gallery space and into Civic Square.

Featuring works from:

  • Elliot Bastianon (ACT)
  • Mel Douglas (ACT)
  • Marion Drew (QLD)
  • Ashley Eriksmoen (ACT)
  • Paul Girrawah House (ACT)
  • Lucy Irvine (ACT)
  • Trent Jansen (NSW)
  • Harriet Schwarzrock (NSW)
  • Rebecca Selleck (ACT) and
  • James Tylor (SA)
Materiality…but not as we know it

Image: Elliott Bastianon (detail) photo: Cassie Abraham