Barely Wearable
PAST EXHIBITION
Body adornment for the age of over-consumption
An exhibition by Ruth Downes
Tuesday 18 July – Sunday 29 October 2023
This body of work is a continuation of Ruth Downes’ passion for reappropriating everyday materials and objects to celebrate their intrinsic beauty.
Materials for these ‘wearable’ artworks have been gleaned from a diverse range of sources – from aircraft headsets to coffee capsules. Detritus from nature has also been salvaged to be re-born as a fashion statement. By reimagining these materials she has created works that transcend their utilitarian function, casting them in a fresh light.
The works question our accepted values and how we award status by projecting these everyday materials into the realm of art. They have a preciousness that confounds our expectations irrespective of their humble origins. This is much more than a simple ‘up-cycling’ exercise - Downes has an acute awareness of the potential of these materials. Her trademark humour also runs as a thread throughout the exhibition adding a further dimension.
This area of sculptural exploration has been an ongoing obsession as was visible in her previous exhibitions. ‘Tea Party in the Mayoral Garden’ (2001 - 2010) won the inaugural NGA Sculpture Prize ‘People’s Choice Award’ then toured to New York and Washington, followed by an extensive Australian touring program. The follow up exhibition ‘Lunch for the Trades’ (2007 - 2010), also toured with the assistance of Manly Art Gallery & Museum, travelled to many regional galleries in NSW and Queensland. Ruth has had a parallel career in design and public art. This has included commissions for site specific 2D and 3D public art works.
ruthdownes.com.au
Image Credit: Ruth Downes, photography by James Brickwood Sydney Morning Herald
Visit during opening hours • CS Gallery (193-201 Caroline Springs Boulevard, Caroline Springs 3023)
Image Credit: 'A very close shave’ disposable razor blades), Ruth Downes