Array

Background: Array examines the idea of reframing one’s attention onto an otherwise overlooked ubiquitous everyday material through an ambiguous optical phenomenon for contemplation. The work is in dialogue with art precedents such as László Moholy-Nagy, as well as contemporary artists Ceal Floyer and Katie Patterson who explore optical phenomena and perceptual ambiguity. Contribution: Array is a kinetic sculptural work comprised of a mounted frosted glass screen that displays the shadowy image produced from light passing through a rotating sheet of ubiquitous bubble wrap. All three elements- screen, bubble wrap and light are carefully positioned to accentuate distortions in focal length and the impression of scale differentiation. Produced in the time of Covid, the work reflects on the origin and purity of the pockets of air preserved within the bubble wrap material. Through the use of surprising distortions in focal length produced by the light passing through the plastic onto the screen a sense of unexpected immensity of scale and perceptual uncertainty is produced encouraging a moment of pause and reflection for audiences. Significance: The work was selected for exhibition by distinguished curators Jan Duffy and Matt Perkins in the exhibition 'The Space We Live, The Air We Breathe' alongside other eminent contemporary Australian Artists.