Unraveling Connections: Ecology Beyond Nature
Featured Artists
Alicia Frankovich, Caitlin Franzmann, Norton Fredericks, John Gerrard, Simryn Gill, Gabriella Hirst, Angelica Mesiti, Betty Muffler and Maringka Burton, Open Spatial Workshop, Alexandra Pirici, Susan Schuppli, Yasmin Smith, James Tylor.
Curatorial Insight
Curator: Anna Briers
In contemporary society, substances such as petroleum and chemicals—alongside microorganisms—have profoundly shaped our historical narrative. The pervasive influence of the settler-colonial agenda has seeped into every facet of our ecosystems on a molecular scale. This infiltration has escalated into an anthropogenic climate emergency where the concept of ‘post-nature’ prevails; boundaries blur to the point that even plastics are now components within human physiology. Critical thresholds essential for Earth’s stability have been breached repeatedly as we disrupt the intricate self-regulating system known as Gaia.
Exploring Our Ecological Entanglements
The exhibition titled These Entanglements: Ecology After Nature invites contemplation about molecular interactions alongside geological and biological factors and their intersection with societal dynamics. This event showcases a diverse array of Australian and international creators who express their visions through choreography, sculptural installations, film production/field studies/tarot interpretations/photography/painting/, and virtual technologies.
Delving into multidisciplinary conversations that shift focus away from anthropocentrism allows for engagement with notions such as deep ecology theory and new materialism while acknowledging First Nations’ knowledge systems tied to cultural connection with the land. Grounded in an increasingly pressing recognition that human-centered exceptionalism is intricately linked to environmental degradation—the exhibition advocates for more ethical symbiosis between multiple species alongside alternative ontologies regarding existence.
Highlights of Upcoming Works
Amongst the highlights is an avant-garde performance by Alicia Frankovich that will be co-hosted and co-commissioned by UQ Art Museum in collaboration with ACCA (Australian Centre for Contemporary Art). Notably supported by Creative Australia—Australia’s leading governmental arts development body—the project stands testament to collective efforts aimed at addressing complex ecological issues through art.
Featured Imagery
Cover Image
Alicia Frankovich – Atlas of Anti-Taxonomies (2019–22)
16 dye-sublimation prints mounted on PVC backlit polyester across 6 panels measuring 180 cm x 240 cm each; paired with 10 additional panels at dimensions of 100 cm x 200 cm each; materials also include steel cords along side three SD videos in colour orientation. Commissioned by Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū in Aotearoa New Zealand with showcasing done at Gus Fisher Gallery | Te Whare Toi o Gus Fisher. Photography credit goes to Sam Hartnett under collaborative courtesy from Starkwhite (Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland), 1301SW (Naarm/Melbourne), plus Gadigal Country/Sydney affiliations.
Gallery Images
- Open Spatial Workshop – Metabolic Scales (2023)
Video stills presented here courtesy of participating artists.
- Angelica Mesiti – Over the Air and Underground (2020)
Comprising five-channel HD video coupled with ten-channel mono audio extending over nine minutes duration provides insight into installation aspects exhibited at Talbot Rice Gallery within University compound navigating Edinburgh during year twenty-one under Sally Georgiou’s photographic documentation.
- Caitlin Franzmann – Recompose (2022-onwards)
Incorporating divination cards melded together through interactive performance ventures outward via its website illustrated graciously through photographs secured by Timothy Birch representing this artistic gesture homage.
- Susan Schuppli - Arctic Archipelago (2021)
A distinguished HD video work lasting approximately twenty-six minutes featuring stereo sounds exhibited proudly under artistic courtesy provisions dedicated distinctly towards exploration narratives surrounding climatic realms noticed throughout including visual aesthetics experienced therein!