Cardboard Menagerie by Simon Greiner

Simon Greiner Cardboard Menagerie

Image: Simon Greiner

Artist/s statement

Cardboard Menagerie is about play - exploring a simple everyday material like cardboard, and turning it into something fun.

Cardboard craft is often associated with children’s play. It is versatile and pliable, and at its most abstract can be imbued with any quality a child wants. This idea of potential that is inherent in a cardboard is exciting, and it sits somewhere in between the simplicity of the material, and the complex levels of geometry and texture that can be reached.

The aim of this show is to celebrate the accessibility of cardboard, and in turn, the accessibility of art making and creative play. Everyone can get hold of a cardboard box, and a cardboard box can be anything.

The way I make things out of cardboard is largely improvisatory, embracing the structure and movement of existing folds and shapes and feeling my way along. Knowing only that I’m building a stable of unusual creatures, I allow myself the freedom of not knowing what this thing will become. The freedom of starting with nothing but a box, and the knowledge that sometimes making mistakes leads you somewhere unexpected.

Part of this show is a small craft station in the corner, and a stash of cardboard where people can make something if they feel inspired. Hopefully, this will be where the magic happens.

All the cardboard in the exhibition is recycled, hoarded and donated by family and friends. Thank you to them all.

Opening: Wednesday 15 March, 6pm to 8pm
Exhibition runs: 16 March to 2 April 2023. Gallery will be open 10am to 2:30pm on Thursday and Friday, and 11am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
Accessibility information: The gallery has an accessible bathroom. There is a set of stairs inside the building and a lift for wheelchair access.
Instagram: @simonchristophergreiner
Website: www.simongreiner.com
Enquiries: Please contact Simon at simongreiner@gmail.com and 0421 288 869