Scene 1

DAMP is a changing group of Melbourne artists which was established in 1995. The collective has earned a reputation for their thought-provoking and often irreverent performances, actions and exhibitions that explore the potential of working collaboratively.

Scene 1 is an interactive work that was first developed and exhibited in 2001. In a group self-portrait the artists are depicted on painted panels posing in a theatrical tableau that recalls traditional art-historical representations of the nativity of Christ. The figures’ faces have been cut out so that visitors can insert themselves into the image, in the manner of a side-show alley.

For a limited time visitors can be photographed participating in the work and their image will be printed and displayed on the gallery wall. In effect, they become part of the group and the work, creating an ever-expanding portrait of audience and artists alike.

DAMP ’s projects and interactive events celebrate creativity and critique the complex relationships between art and its audiences. Video and photographic documentation of events form an important aspect of their practice, which is often ephemeral in nature.

The DAMP membership at the time Scene 1 was created included Jonathan Bailey, Martin Burns, Olivia Dwyer, Sharon Goodwin, Ry Haskings, Spiro Kalantzis, James Lynch, Lisa Radford, Sean Samon, Dion Sanderson, Blair Trethowan, Masato Takasaka