18 May 2017: University of Canberra Faculty of Arts and Design staff explore what is beautiful and beastly about our relationship with the natural world in a new exhibitionat the Belconnen Arts Centre.
Featuring the work of 18 staff, this year’s exhibition titled ‘Beauties and Beasts’, pays tribute to colleague and animal lover Sandra Burr, who passed away in 2014.
“Sandra was a dedicated horsewoman and a passionate advocate for animals,” University of Canberra Associate Professor in Creative and Cultural Practice and curator of the exhibition, Dr Jordan Williams, said.
“Sandra produced exciting research related to the relationship between the human and non-human worlds, some of which is presented in this exhibition. I think she would be honoured and amused by this tribute to her,” she said.
The exhibition celebrates the diverse breadth of work and research being undertaken by the faculty and includes paintings, artist books, video and sound art, and sculptural and interactive media.
“Staff have created works that reflect both creative and research practice. Each piece is an interpretation of something beautiful or beastly. Some works will make you feel deeply while others will make you laugh,” Dr Williams said.
They include digital prints that explore the intimate relationships humans have with natural objects and a video on artist Mark ‘Scrapdaddy’ Bradford who upcycles scrap metal to create car-creatures.
A poetry reading will also be held on Sunday 21 May from 2pm-4pm featuring Distinguished Professor Dr Jen Webb and postdoctoral fellow Dr Paul Munden.
The 23rd University of Canberra Faculty of Arts and Design staff exhibition ‘Beauties and Beasts’ is open until 28 May at the Belconnen Arts Centre.
- Dr Williams is available for interview on 0455 556 546
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362
Kim Pham: 0418 806 293