How can artists picture their hopes for our future, from inside a society that struggles to imagine change? This exhibition features politically-focussed Australian and international artists that respond to this challenge. Through installation, sculpture, video, and painting, they render their politics in oblique ways – through irony, humour, provocation, deception, and negation. In doing so, they undertake the small but vital work of making change conceivable, so as to one day make it possible.
In 2016, Pet Projects were invited by Campbelltown Art Centre, NSW to participate in an exhibition responding to Western Sydney demographic statistics produced by consultancy firm Deloitte. The trio of artists undertook a two-week residency, culminating in the discovery of a ouija board scrawled behind a painting in a Quest Apartment hotel, and the creation and exhibition of a four-part ‘documentary’ film - Mixed Business - that compared statistical analysis to supernatural divination.
Six years later, Pet Projects are still consumed by unanswered rhetorical questions: how does creative practice survive a career in the arts? How is arts labour subsumed by other economic priorities connected to development, activation and public relations? Can God create a rock larger than they could lift?
Mixxed Business: Fully Reloadeded II is a prequel and origin story set in a children’s activity station at a public art gallery, in 2013. Part cathartic exorcism, part escapist fantasy and part excuse for Pet Projects to vent about work, this feature-length 5-Minute Crafts video will be a free family-friendly event that’s fun for the whole family.
Goolugatup Heathcote is a cultural precinct overlooking the river in Applecross, WA. The heritage site is home to thriving cultural and recreational activities including a contemporary art gallery, museum, restaurant, artist studios, public markets and events, and creative small businesses. Goolugatup is renowned for sunset river views and an expansive children’s playground, both which attract locals and visitors from across the metropolitan area.
Goolugatup Heathcote, part of the City of Melville, acknowledges the Bibbulmun people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we stand and pay respect to the Whadjuk people, and Elders past, present, future.
Goolugatup Heathcote is located on the shores of the Derbal Yerrigan, in the suburb of Applecross, just south of the centre of Boorloo Perth, WA. It is 10 minute drive from the CBD, the closest train station is Canning Bridge, and the closest bus route the 148.
58 Duncraig Rd, Applecross, Boorloo (Perth), Western AustraliaAccessibility and amenitiesThe Gallery is open 10-4 daily, and closed public holidays. The grounds are open 24/7.
