Presented by Second Chance Designs
@ Bliss Organic Cafe
SATURDAY 25 Feb (Opening, until March 18)
This début exhibition from local artists Izzy, Ellen and Daniel aims to create eye-catching and intriguing pieces from the re-used and recycled materials of our resource hungry modern world.
Displayed in the small but inviting confines of Bliss Organic café, there is much here to be fascinated by. The first piece to strike me on entering was a large world map comprised entirely of different coloured Adelaide metro tickets and displayed against rustic corrugated iron. With continents shaped in multi-trip red and oceans coloured by standard blue tickets, the effect was bold and simple. Placement underneath the air-conditioner on this balmy night did nothing to diminish its appeal, either. (On a side note, the provision of chilled wine and cider for this opening was most welcome). There must be something about the evidence of our travels that appeals, because it came to light in subsequent conversations with friends that many others are in the habit of collecting used public transport passes, too.
Take note: donations of these and other potentially useful materials are most welcome for potential follow up pieces.
In the adjacent corner, above previously mentioned wine and cider, were three alcohol-themed images constructed from assorted bottle lids. They took some time and effort to aquire but, apparently, the variously branded and coloured caps were found without any debacherous consumption increase. The portraits of Coopers beer and pint glass (got to love home-state parochialism), spritzy cocktail and pouring wine bottle would certainly make appealing decoration for one of Adelaide’s many watering holes, especially with their rich wooden frames and distinct colouring. These might not be pieces to hang quietly in one’s living room.
Among the charming clutter of Bliss Cafe, it was sometimes hard to pick out the smaller artwork from surrounding flyers, noticeboards and organic coffee blends. A selection of four seasonal masks hanging unobtrusively on the wall were a nice touch, though. Styled after masquerade ball attire coloured according to summer, autumn, winter and spring, I learnt they were constructed entirely out of layered junk mail. There’s something to be said for the kind of Papier-mâché craft endeavors our primary school years were filled with, if beauty and flair can be found in even the most stereotypically common suburban annoyance, a letterbox overflowing with gaudy catalogues.
By far the most popular set piece on display was a medium sized dolls house, which had a continuous stream of intrigued visitors, both young and old alike, kneeling down to peer within. In keeping with this exhibition’s theme, contents of the house bathroom, bedrooms, kitchen and lounge were created from a variety of used materials, including electrical board stove tops, a battery lamp and playing card roof. The intricacy of the design was amazingly impressive and it was fascinating to look over each individual room, trying to spot what unexpected item had been given a second life.
Izzy, the driving force behind this effort, told me her only theme was a desire to re-use objects that would otherwise be forgotten. It’s a particularly relevant one in our society, which is increasingly seen as too fast-moving and disposable. There is also an undeniable current of environmental concern in the recycled use of such distinctly urban and cosmopolitan objects as bus tickets, bottle caps and double A batteries. Whatever your exact take, (re)incarnations provides a delightfully quirky collection of expressive pieces.
They’re on display during Bliss café opening hours, so pop in for a coffee and some local art until March 18. More info at http://blissorganiccafe.com.au/
