Making Sense

The way we make sense of the world has dramatically altered in recent years due to the vast amounts of scientific data produced to comprehend changing environmental conditions.

The conceptual challenge presented within this exhibition focuses on four central questions: how has science changed the way we view nature? How has this heightened ecological awareness changed our world view? How do contemporary artists through craft and design communicate ideas of such complex magnitude? How can craft materials be used in innovative ways to discuss ethereal constructs of nature such as the ozone and species decline?

Targett’s work addresses awareness of the earth’s atmosphere through contemporary and historical mapping. Utilising dichroic glass as her medium, Targett’s work revaluates the material’s original use in space suit technology. Targett draws a parallel between the innate protective qualities of this man-made material and the protective function of the earth’s ozone layer. Symons’ drawing and video works explore the historical, political and environmental predicament of the Antarctic and its waters. Symons’ work will chart the effects of environmental change on the 60 migratory species that rely on this region.

Debbie Symons and Jasmine Targett are both Melbourne-based practitioners. Symons’ video works have been exhibited internationally and nationally, through the International Urban Screen Association; London, Madrid, Korea, Barcelona, New York, New Zealand and Brisbane. She is currently working with the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species to investigate the effects of business development/growth on Red List animal and plant species. Targett is currently completing a PhD at Monash University and undertaking research with Monash Micro Imaging and the Centre for Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics, NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory and EOS Satellite Data. Targett has exhibited nationally including: the Australian National Glass Gallery, Cairns Regional Gallery, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery, Artspace Queensland, Canberra Glassworks and McClelland Gallery & Sculpture Park.

Debbie Symon’s Video work ‘Tracking’ will be screening both at Craft Victoira and Federation Square Urban Screens through out the duration of the exhibition.