Suburban Camping Project
Patrick Wundke
Fontanelle Gallery
Opening Sunday 21st April 6pm
Runs till 19th May
In the last few years there has been a real
turn towards social engagement within Australian art, shown through projects
like Touchy Feely, and through the work of artists including Patrick Wundke. Socially
aware and socially active art are really interesting, perhaps because they are
kind of demanding; the viewer and their participation are central to the work.
Patrick Wundke examines social engagement
through an art practice that takes the artwork directly to the viewer, to their
backyard to be precise. The Suburban
Camping Project uses the humble tent as a way of navigating the boundaries
between private space and public place. As an artist, and a tourist, Wundke camps
in stranger’s suburban backyards. Through approaching the members of the
public, Wundke enters into a relationship that exposes the vulnerability and
the generosity of the ‘other’.
In the gallery, the tent, sleeping bag and
camping paraphernalia take on a performative role. The objects act on three
levels: they take on a position of art objects within the gallery space and they
stand in for the act of social engagement, part of which occurs in the suburban
back yards. And, while the artist takes up residency, living in the gallery, they
still retain their practical use as camping equipment.
Image: 'Camping Number 3', Patrick Wundke, 2012 courtesy of the Artist and Fontanelle Gallery
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