UC EVENTS

John Dahlsen’s mapping of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch recuperates unlovely materials – found plastics collected from Australian coastlines – into engaging formal patterns. We are invited to contemplate both the rapid accumulation of microplastics in our oceans as well as John’s acts of restoration when he picks up the tiny pieces. Place-based restoration runs through these works as one connecting theme: it is no coincidence that creative responses flourish where damage is great. Other works upend any rush to repair that may paper over damage that needs to be dwelt with. This collection mends and upends, often together, with slow-going practices of repair keeping company with exuberant explorations of breaking and unmaking.  

About the artists:

The University of Canberra’s Faculty of Arts and Design annual exhibition presents diverse creative responses to the inspiration, and provocation, of the theme Upending | Mending. Our artists, designers and creative educators bring together a variety of approaches to their practice – recuperating found materials, collaborating with communities, using art to focus attention on ugly matters – but share a sense that creative expression is central to their ways of reflecting, repairing and questioning the world.  

Featuring:

Monica Andrew, Rhonda Ayliffe, Ben Ennis Butler, Louise Curham, John Dahlsen, Dianne Firth, Caren Florance, UK Frederick, Katie Hayne, Paul Hetherington, Kerry Martin, Max Maxwell, Ross McLennan, Vahri McKenzie, HK Plum, Claire Rosslyn Wilson, Sam Tomkins, Bethaney Turner, Jen Webb, Kirsten Wehner and John White