Graduating exhibition
Among the works on display in the ANU's School of Art and Design 2017 Graduating Exhibition is a confronting series of sculptures by Brian Evans, whose work is based on his observations of his father who has been affected by Alzheimer's.
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"I have always had a specific idea of who my dad is in my mind: strong, competent and someone that I looked up to," Evans said.
"I am now witnessing his physical body becoming a shell whilst his personality and soul is decaying."
Evans wanted to convey the frailty of the human condition in the forms and with the materials he used, sculpting busts of his father in wax, unfired clay and other materials including, structural grout which as the porous appearance of pumice stone.
More than 140 artworks are on display across disciplines including textiles, gold, silver, furniture, sculpture, print making, painting, ceramics, glass, and design. In various workshops with the school's main gallery displaying the works of honours, masters and masters advanced graduates. Until December 3.
A good man
The final production in Ainslie + Gorman's Ralph Indie 2017 season, Tristan: A Song for the Superior Man enters into the highly charged discourse around masculinity.
In a world rife with problematic social attitudes around the identity and performance of masculinity, this new theatre work from Little Dove Theatre Art asks "What does it mean to be a good man?"
Tristan is vigorous physical theatre interspersed with story, song and dance. It is highly visual and entertaining but it also aims to truly connect with the audience through the vulnerability of the local male cast.
Written and directed by Chenoeh Miller, and featuring Chris Endrey, Nick Delatovic, Oliver Levi-Malouf, Erica Field and Raoul Craemer. Saturday and Sunday, December 2-3, at 7.30pm, also 3.30pm Saturday and 5.30pm Sunday.
Women in Design
A chance to catch one more thing from the successful Design Canberra Festival with four exhibitions huddled under the tag of "Women in Design" continuing until December 16.
Kelly Austin, Chelsea Lemon, Lynette Lewis and Zoë Veness feature celebrating the creativity and contribution of women to the contemporary craft and design sector, proudly positioning the work of female artists at the forefront. In A Space for Softness ceramic artist Kelly Austin explores illusion and the relationships of ceramic objects in subtle still life compositions. In Parquetry Meets Plant furniture designer Chelsea Lemon showcases her distinctive use of parquetry in the form of wall-mounted pieces, sculptural objects and a shimmering dining table. In Mara Ninti – Clever Hands, Lynette Lewis displays vibrant necklaces created through the Indigenous Jewellery Project and in collaboration with contemporary jeweller Melinda Young, and IJP curator Emily McCulloch Childs. Contemporary jeweller Zoë Veness developed New Terrain in an Old World in response to her relocation to Hobart from the South Coast of NSW in 2016. Through jewellery, objects and photographs, Veness explores the ancient landscape and fragile complexities of Kunanyi (Mount Wellington).
At the Craft ACT Craft and Design Centre, until December 16.
Paralysed by choice
ANCA's 2016 EASS Exhibition Award recipient Clare Solomon believes that a cultural obsession with choice has led to a growing problem of indecision and decision paralysis within our society.
Her exhibition In/decision addresses this contemporary paradox, her multi-media approach is paired with cultural observations to offer participatory artworks that use advice, decision making, and fortune telling to engage the audience. Solomon's amusing and interactive artworks playfully use familiar games and objects: such as a lucky dip, dice and a lazy-susan, that are arranged on and amongst beautifully hand-crafted items to provide advice.
A thoughtful and amusing exhibition which displays the artist's ability for astute and insightful observations on contemporary life as well as her skill as a craftsperson. Opening at the ANCA gallery in Dickson on December 6, until December 17.
Detonate
A series of events celebrating artists with a disability is being held this weekend, focussing on engaging and experimenting in creative practice. The Detonate program coincides with International Day of People with Disability and includes a feast of opportunities to explore creative spirit from workshops to film, dance and forums. Detonate has been brought together by Belconnen Arts Centre, Canberra Symphony Orchestra, AusDance ACT and NDIS Feros Care.
