disassemble | reassemble highlights the relationship between humans and nature, and contemplates the attitudes, both caring and careless, that shape human life on the planet. The foundations of the exhibition arose from memories of the early 1990’s environmental superhero, Captain Planet: the star of an animated children’s TV edutainment series that advocated environmentalism.
In the series, a modern-day team of ‘planeteers’ from several nations could embody and use the qualities of five elements: earth, wind, fire, water and heart. When combined their powers could summon the environmental warrior Captain Planet to defeat eco-villains who attempted to destroy the planet.
The artists presented in this exhibition represent a sort of contemporary ‘planeteer’. With their powers combined Jane Burton, Svenja Kratz, Peter Madden, Nicola Moss, Polixeni Papapetrou, Hobie Porter, Tony Rice, Kate Shaw and Katarina Vesterberg explore the natural and human degradation and rejuvenation of the environment in an ongoing dialogue between nature and those who inhabit it.
The title, disassemble | reassemble, refers to the cycle of growth, decay and renewal that is apparent in nature: both as a response to seasonal change and as a reaction to natural disasters such as drought, fire and floods. It also speaks of the way human beings have modified the environment through the consumption of natural resources.
disassemble | reassemble demonstrates the heartfelt dedication and care these nine artists have for the natural world and probes the audience to question their relationship with the environment and intervene where they can to promote positive change. In the wise words of Captain Planet, “The power is yours”.
Official Opening: 10 for 10.30am, Saturday 27 June 2015
Image: Hobie Porter, Fire Index: Moderate, 2014, oil on linen, 30 x 55cm, courtesy of the artist, Arthouse Gallery and Mossgreen Gallery
