GALLERY TWO | SAMANTHA THOMPSON
THE INVASION
FRI 28 OCT 9.00AM - WEDS 23 NOV 5.00PM
OPENING EVENT 29 OCT, 4.00-6.00PM
FREE TO ATTEND
OPENING INCLUDES A LIVE PERFORMANCE BY WELDER
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Monday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Tuesday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Wednesday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Thursday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday closed
Sunday closed
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Platform Arts is wheelchair-accessible via our Gheringhap St entrance. Unlocked, accessible bathrooms are available on both ground and first floors.
For accessibility enquiries, please directly contact us at hello@platformarts.org.au
Please note, Platform Arts is a dry venue.
Platform Arts and Craft Contemporary 2022 present an exhibition by textile artist Samantha Thompson.
The Invasion is an immersive universe filled with stuffed textile works, some of which resemble hybrid of creatures we find in our oceans. Creeping out of nooks, hanging from the ceiling, and generally up to no good, these band of misfit sea creatures are made to interact and play with internal rooms. Utilising the massive amount of textile waste found in second hand shops, these creatures are hand sewn, stuffed and adorned with pom-poms, sequins, and clay spikes. On the surface of the creatures feature human faces, often embroidered, and painted, almost as if reflecting our own faces, like a mirror.
Like fish out of water, these strangely alluring personalities create an opportunity to witness what we normally don't see under the ocean. There is an environmental impact created by humans that directly affects the creatures in the oceans, and the textile fast fashion industry is a major player. The upcycled textile fabrication of these works is a not-too-subtle play on this dynamic.
Opening night will feature a live score interpretation of this critter invasion by sound artist Welder. Telling the story in 3 movements and drawing from his love of 70s Sci Fi and Horror soundtracks, Welder veers from dissonance to harmonic tranquillity - presenting an allegory to the increasingly dystopic state of the world.
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Samantha Thompson is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist and regional arts advocate based in regional Victoria, Australia. With a highly successful career spanning over 20 years, Thompson is renowned for her vibrant, feminist artworks. Thompson has exhibited in numerous galleries across Australia and produced 14 solo shows since 2003. She has also exhibited internationally, and her works can be found in private and public collections across the world.
Welder is a solo soundscape/drone project from musician Jak Pepsi. First realised in 1994 with a cut and paste ethos of both performed and found sound. Using analog recording techniques and tape manipulation, Welder attempts to walk the delicate balance between chaos and tranquillity.
