Restless Habitat II

ANU School of Art Gallery 3rd – 6th June 2009
Lucie Verhelst, Alistair Riddell and Belinda Jessup

Artists’ Statement
This second incarnation of Restless Habitat, extends the work and our intention to invoke reflection on the idea of “dwelling space”, both as the fixed structure of our urban existence, and the various forms used by “Nomadic” peoples. As humans, we seek living space for a variety of reasons and necessities, and in this project the structure becomes a vehicle for experiencing and exploring the many interpretations of “home” and its relation to the environment. Intertwined with our personal experiences are issues like materialism, symbolism, identity and future, which reflected in the construction of this installation.

The central features of the project are the textiles (Silk, Horse hair, Yak hair and Camel hair), the structure that supports them and its movement. As a “walk-in” installation defined by this collection of materials and objects, a sense of shifting boundaries and ‘things’ of transience is aroused. Indeed our homes are in a constant state of transition, something at the very core of our nature and so the project converges the sense of shifting forms and being migratory with that of being localized.

Movement is achieved through the use of Muscle Wire or Shaped Memory Alloy, which is computer-controlled allowing for a series of patterns to be initiated in the structure over time. These patterns represent the notion of travelling between places. When the structure is quiescent, it symbolizes being at a place. This structural movement reflects the changing nature of our living space and its objects as characteristics of our personal lives. It is also intended to reflect the changing world around us to which we are sometimes attuned.

The structure also has an underlying spirituality through embedded symbolism of the Rhombus, of triangles, Tassels, Water and Camel hair to mention a few. Inside the structure on the floor is a singular object intended to represent an essential element of our domestic existence: Water. In this instance it can be thought of as a Well and also a meeting place as the Well is for many nomadic groups. This object provides a locus for the overall form and symbolism of the project.

Restless Habitat was made possible through funding from artsACT. We acquired most of the structural materials on our many inspirational journeys to that place for artists called Bunnings.

We would also like to thank Valerie Kirk, James Holland, Anita Fitton, Cameron Moylan and the SoA gallery staff for their support and help for this exhibition.