Using objects and photographs, Caroline Phillips is interested in reconfiguring relationships of power, sexual politics and embodied experience to (re)present the relational art object as a feminist object. Through modes of connection and inter-relation in both her methodology and outcomes, Phillips (re)imagines an ethical feminist future. This current body of work, there’s something happening here…(extended remix), was developed during a recent three month residency at NARS Foundation, Brooklyn.
there’s something happening here…(extended remix) seeks to respond to the current political atmosphere of fear and violence, proposing feminist objects of protection and resistance. Stirrings of protest, retaliation and self-defense emerge through the whimsical and embodied forms. Domestic and industrial materials merge and transform into what could potentially be weapons, flotation devices, protective gear, tools and protest objects. These sculptural pieces are active and performative, enabling moments of transformation and action. Physical objects are then extended through performative photographs that imagine alternate behaviours and actions, transforming the mood and environment.
Caroline Phillips has recently completed four years of PhD research at the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne. Previously, Phillips’ work has been exhibited nationally and internationally including the George Paton Gallery, Melbourne, First Draft Gallery, Sydney, the Cité International des Arts, Paris, Slade School of Art, London and OCAD University, Toronto. She has been awarded a number of grants and residencies including NAVA Australian Artists’ Grant, City of Melbourne Arts Project Grant, Creative Victoria VicArts Grant, Australian Tapestry Workshop Artist in Residence and the Art Gallery of New South Wales Moya Dyring Paris Residency.
Exhibition Opening: 11th May, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Image: Concealment #2, 2018, digital photograph, photograph by Danielle McCarthy.
