Disconnex: Reframing Resistance at Chrissie Cotter Gallery
Monday 9 June 2017
A group exhibition at Chrissie Cotter Gallery will showcase salvaged heritage items from homes destroyed due to WestConnex.
The exhibition will also feature films, photographs, placards and costumes that creatively challenge the displacement caused to communities across Sydney by the spreading network of tollways.
Artists Helen Grace, Rene Vogelzang, Russ Herman, Janet Kossy, John Bartholomew, Chris Elenor, Andrew Chuter, Pip Hinman, Raj Suri, Joel Tarling, Gavin Gatenby, Jacqui Sykes and Lynn Stanton – as well as members of Rozelle Book Club – are all practitioners who are also community activists against WestConnex.
Their creative expression includes interactive 3D videos, projected videos, printed photo works, paintings, sculptural and constructed work.
“The works stem from a social movement opposing WestConnex that is bringing destruction to parts of Sydney, causing suffering and trauma to the community,” said organiser of the exhibition, Cynthia Moore
She said the exhibition seeks to explore the creative means being developed by artists resisting WestConnex destruction, and “to imagine a more equitable city and community.”
“Some of the pieces planned for the exhibition have been integral to protests and demonstrations by affected residents,” she said.
“For example, residents are making bids for community heritage items salvaged during the demolition process.
“These represent new ‘icons’ that may become part of creative protests. This ‘repurposing’ of objects emphasises the creative means through which community activists are approaching the destruction of heritage,” Ms Moore said.
“While there are several well-established artists who are documenting the havoc that is created by WestConnex, others are residents who have found a medium for their resistance.
“The dialogue between artists and activists is producing a new language of creative expression that has its output in imaginative performances, some of which will feature in the exhibition,” Ms Moore said.
Disconnex: Reframing Resistance is at Chrissie Cotter Gallery, Pidcock Street Camperdown from Wednesday 28 June until Sunday 9 July, 11am-4pm Thursdays – Sundays. Opening Night - Wednesday 28 June, 6-8pm. Everyone invited.
Attendees on opening night are invited to bring a placard to decorate the fence next to the gallery – and either take it home on the night, or leave it for the duration of the exhibition. Prizes will be awarded to the ‘wittiest’ placards
For an interview with the organiser or one of the artists, call Cynthia on 0407 079 096.