Between Appearances: The Art of Louise Weaver

Background My research is framed by concepts relating to the ‘expanded field of painting’. A term borrowed and adapted from Rosalind Krauss and her 1979 essay “Sculpture in the expanded field”. A contemporary expression of landscape is not easily reconciled within this conceptual framework. This research considers the ways in which site-specific art works can speculatively explore and poetically respond to aspects of a museums historical fabric to affect a fantastic propositional landscape in architectural space. Contribution As a major commission; Between Appearances: the art of Louise Weaver, included 14 new site-specific, immersive scale paintings, sculptures, sound and moving image works presented across two levels (five galleries and large outdoor video screen) of Buxton Contemporary. This research found that through their all-encompassing scale and performative dimension, works including Cradling and Nocturne (Entr’acte) could convey a sense for the viewer of physically passing through different thresholds, spaces and environments, enabling a critical engagement with the site. Significance I was highly esteemed as the first female artist commissioned to present a monographic exhibition at Buxton Contemporary, curated by Melissa Keys. I received $24,730 from the Australia Council under the ‘Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups’ grant program and $20,000 from Buxton Contemporary to create an ambitious body of new works, alongside 100 + selected works from my 30 + year career. A 57-page catalogue and education program accompanied the exhibition, which was reviewed in national newspapers, articles, extensive social media, interviews for radio also published as Podcasts.