Access gallery
Left to right: Ann Mason: Deeper Rooted, 2013 (detail); The Burden of Witness, 2013 (detail); Mystic Cultivation (2013), detail.
Prayers of Reparation
Ann Berg
27 February - 24 March 2013 2013
Prayers of Reparation re-contextualizes the ‘Stations of the Cross’ as an offering or expression of mourning for the loss of nature’s beauty, purpose and diversity. Known also as the ‘Way of Sorrows’ or the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross), these traditional titles signify either a series of artistic representations, or the special form of devotions associated with a ‘pilgrimage of spirit’. The Passion story could be seen as a metaphor for the embodied soul that links the fragile nature of physical reality with the human longing for transcendental experience. Prayers of Reparation reflects on questions of ‘where and how’ we find hope in our current environmental narrative.
This exhibition borrows conceptually and aesthetically from the crafted forms and layers of meaning historically associated with the Stations of the Cross. Often made of wood, as small modest plaques, with relief or paintings, conventional archetypal forms of the Stations of the Cross are attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment. Traces of locally sourced natural materials and found objects are combined with the elemental effects of air, fire, water and earth to become embedded in Prayers of Reparation via ‘experiences’ or techniques of intervention.
This body of work employs an experimental approach that involves intuitive non-linear methods where the arrival point is mostly unknown. The layering of techniques and materials over time becomes suggestive of memory, as are the processes of wounding and scarification; and utilized in this series to explore inherent meanings, beyond the visual outcome.
Traditionally the Stations of the Cross provide a focus for ritualized expressions of individual and/or collective grief. Much therapeutic evidence now exists for the healing potential of processes that address our individual and collective wounds. Work as prayer, as in the saying ‘sweat your prayers', is imbued into Prayers of Reparation via the physical acts of making (including sanding the boards by hand) and is offered as ‘acts of reparation’ for the wounding of the Earth.
The artist would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Mason Family Trust, Sandhurst Trustees, Bendigo Tertiary Education Anniversary Foundation and La Trobe University, Bendigo Campus. With special thanks to Bridget Keena, Tony Conway, Stephen Turpie, Karin Moses, Penny Davies, Curt and Jinari Mountain and the VAC staff. This exhibition would not be possible without the support of the artist’s family and friends. The artist would also like to recognise Ian Hill’s contribution in documenting and supplying the image Signs of Time for reproduction.
The Mason Family Trust Exhibition Award recognises students enrolled at La Trobe University, Bendigo Campus in Visual Arts and Design or Art Education who demonstrate exceptional academic and creative merit in their final or postgraduate years of study. The beneficiary of the award receives $2500 and assistance from the University to mount an exhibition of their work for public display at the La Trobe University Visual Arts Centre Access Gallery.
Exhibiting at the Visual Arts Centre
Please note that the exhibition calendar for the VAC Gallery for 2014 has been finalised and applications are not being invited this year.
NOW CALLING FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR THE ACCESS GALLERY
Applications close on Thursday 28 March 2013
