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Object of the Sun, ( one of five works exhibited ) Exhibition consists of series of 5 abstact sculptures and one large scale woven painting that provides an optical 2 dimentional counterpiont to the predomiantly 3 dimentional works.

physical object
posted on 2024-10-30, 17:21 authored by Emma WeaverEmma Weaver
BACKGROUND Inspired by Levi Strauss' dictum, "Art lies halfway between scientific knowledge and mythical or magical thought", the curators of the 2010 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art, Charlotte Day and Sarah Tutton, explored an interest in mythology, spirituality and mysticism seen across the political and social spectrum. They questioned whether this marks a loss of faith in the rational and a turning away from empirically based systems of knowledge going back to The Enlightenment. They questioned whether this opens up a space for the illogical/intangible in an age of rapid technological advancement and political upheaval. Object of the Sun was exhibited alongside 4 other Weaver pieces and works by Australian artists: Sandra Selig, Christian Thompson, Ben Armstrong, John Barbour, Mikala Dwyer, Diena Georgetti, Simryn Gill and Simon Yates. CONTRIBUTION The sculpture comes from Weaver's interest in the fantastic and the spiritual. The elemental forms and materials of the sculpture have been constructed to appear to perform an ancient function. Materials assume a talismanic purpose and have been selected to evoke the sun, the earth's crust, core, mantle, and cascading water. This work builds on research into acts of transformation, concepts and representations of nature, its fragility, and its endurance. Weaver's work contributes to this dialectic and questioning. SIGNIFICANCE Researched at the Metropolitan Museum of Art during an Australia Council residency in New York (Feb-May 09), the work, Weaver's work was included, as the Biennial material notes, assembled "22 of the nation's most innovative and exciting contemporary artists and artist groups." It was presented by the Art Gallery of South Australia as part of the Adelaide Festival, and supported by the Australia Council for the Arts. In her catalogue essay, Anna Zagala wrote: "More abstract than many of Weaver's previous sculptures, Object of the Sun, 2009, possesses a powerful sense of vitality."

History

Subtype

  • Original Visual Artwork

Outlet

Before and After Science, 2010 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art.

Place published

Adelaide, Australia

Start date

2010-02-26

End date

2010-04-02

Extent

71 x 32.5 x 12.5 cms

Language

English

Medium

Hand crocheted lamb's wool over hand turned Japaneese Birchwood, cedar wood, sequins, human hair, si

Former Identifier

2006027482

Esploro creation date

2020-06-22

Publisher

Art Gallery of South Australia.

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