Monday 7 August, 10—11AM
Local Benalla artists Victoria Cooper and Doug Spowart traverse themes, both personal and political, in the investigation and representation of “site” and “place” in the Australian landscape. Much of this work was created in response to the historical and contemporary changes to our place in the landscape and the philosophical concept of Solastalgia. From this they have created work through artists-in-residences and commissions in places across Eastern Australia including Arthur Boyd’s Bundanon, Muswellbrook, Myall Park Botanic Garden in central southern Queensland and Mildura.
To make informed and considered work they delve into historical, scientific and mythological insights intrinsic to each site. From this preliminary research they embark on field work to collect visual records for their artworks by utilising documentary photography, nocturne light, projections and the camera obscura. Also important in gathering a deeper knowing and knowledge of each place is the land art methodology of time spent walking in contemplative sensorial observation.
Their work is resolved as visual narrative in the form of online media, wall works, artists’ books or photobooks.
The talk will cover some past activities by Cooper and Spowart and reference a current exhibition project about the Winton Wetlands collaborating with local Benalla artist Maggie Hollins that will be on show at the Bainz Gallery in Wangaratta during August.
For more background on Cooper+Spowart see their practice commentary Blog www.wotwedid.com, their Instagram accounts @wotwesaw (Victoria) @woteyesaw (Doug), and the Instagram for the Winton Wetlands exhibition @wetlands.palimpsest
About Cooper+Spowart
Victoria Cooper and Doug Spowart are visual artists with an extensive practice as individuals and in collaboration. Both have completed individual PhD studies in photography, photobooks and artists’ books. Cooper and Spowart have been finalists in many photographic art awards and been the recipients of major prizes.
They have also judged photography, artists book and photobook awards, and have lectured nationally and in New Zealand. Their work including prints, artists’ books and photobooks has been acquired by regional and state galleries and also by the prominent art book collections of State Libraries, the National Library of Australia and the British Library.
Registration essential: T 03 5760 2619 or gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au
Cost: $2