Next Wednesday my exhibition ‘Rich and Rare’ will open at ANCA (Australian National Capital Artists) in Dickson, Canberra.
This submersive exhibition presents the results of three years of creative investigation into the history and future of native shellfish reefs, and specifically ostrea angasi, the native flat oyster, which were once plentiful around Australia’s southern coastlines. Although these ecosystems were nearly destroyed within the first century of European settlement, they have hung on, and recently been the focus of restoration efforts.
I have materialised the fragility, delicacy and near-skeletal distribution of ostrea angasi in machine-embroidered lace, and used the lace oysters and fabric to explore the qualities, growth, collapse and possible future of shellfish reefs, as well as their relationship with human society.
The exhibition will be open from Midday - 5pm, Wednesday - Sundays from 4 -22 June. And if you would like to join me at an event, there will be:
Exhibition opening: 5.30 - 7pm on Wednesday 4 June.
Artist talk: 2 - 3pm on Saturday 14 June.
Rich and Rare Oyster Saloon tasting and discussion: 3.30 - 4.30pm on Saturday 21 June. Tickets essential - available from Humanitix - $25 for half-dozen oysters, $35 for full dozen. Each serve will comprise: half angasi flat oysters, half Sydney rock oysters.
Closing reception: 3 - 4pm, Sunday 22 June.
Hope to see you there!
