The climate in all its wonderment is a force that dominates Earth’s inhabitants. Art as a medium can offer reflection on humanity’s behaviours and bring attention to areas that need discussion. ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2015; a festival which recognises the importance of art as a means to inform, engage, and inspire action on climate change, has come together in association with two photographic series by Sydney-based artist Rosemary Laing. A presentation of selected works from weather (2006) and The Paper (2013) is on view at Heide Museum of Art in an exhibition titled ‘Rosemary Laing: weathering’.
weather comprises a selection of photographs that excites curiosity. A subject is elevated high into an empty space, surrounded by the chaotic shifting of pieces of shredded newspapers. With no control, the subject is manoeuvred by a transparent force. Her body at times looks similar to that of a rag doll with her limbs positioned helplessly with an expectation of being propelled suddenly into the opposite direction. Her appearance camouflages gracefully into her environment. She is a part of this space and although harsh it manages to whisper a state of calmness. How would it feel to be imposed in a world without boundaries, to be within a space so empty that an avenue towards freedom seems intangible?
The Paper presents photographs of a forest recognisable to those who have sought to find a similar setting for whatever reason, perhaps for the purpose of solitude, escapism or a replenishment of tree breathed air. There is a noticeable difference with this forest. The floor is paved with newspaper that stretches towards all edges of the photographs. The unrestricted path that moves beneath the trees is filled with a refined material which can be imagined to have fallen piece by piece until it settled softly in this sombre place in its final resting ground. The paper lies amongst the trees from which it came. Decomposition is near. The newspapers that once provided an imperative service have been returned to the soil to provide a new process.
Constantly observing her surroundings, Laing finds inspiration. The making of an in-situ series like The Paper (photographed in a casurina forest in Shoalhaven in New South Wales) involves a great deal of time, planning, and preparation. Subject areas are thoroughly researched by Laing and locations are visited and experienced. Each series follows from the previous stringing together distinguishable similarities and complex contrasts.
The large-scale format of the works assists with the transmission of the interpretive narrative. True to life techniques encourage a compulsion to step into the scenes and glide through the atmospheric settings crafted by Laing. When viewed closely, the finer details surface, wait to be examined and add to the realistic qualities of the series. Observing the works within a gallery space can be a meditative experience.
‘Rosemary Laing: weathering’ offers reflections on the intrinsic relationships encased within our fragile home. Attention is drawn to the elements that we are unable to grasp and control, while depicting areas that we can actively and positively work towards to bring change and sustainability.
Heide Museum of Modern Art
Until 31 May, 2015
Melbourne
The Paper, Tuesday, 2013, C type photograph, 90 x 189cm, Ed. 1 of 8
The Paper, Wednesday, 2013, C type photograph, 90 x 177.5cm, Ed. 2 of 8
Courtesy the artist, Tolarno Galleries, Melbourne and Ten Cubed Collection, Melbourne
