New Work @ NANA - Justin Cooper + Connie Anthes in collaboration
In late 2013, Sydney-based artists Justin Cooper and Connie Anthes undertook a collaborative residency with the Ceramics department of Gymea TAFE. The residency period was used to address the possibility of combining traditional ceramic methods with non-traditional process-based practice. Both artists have independent but connected practices, with Cooper having a strong background in experimental ceramics and Anthes interested in challenging the expectations of particular mediums. Raw materials have been scavenged from mountainsides, building sites and recycle bins and then combined using Cooper’s knowledge of ceramic chemistry to create “melt experiments”. The resulting vortexes of colour and low relief texture were then photographed at close range and digitally collaged to produce the final ‘ceramic works’, which take the form of large format digital prints that fill the windows of the old David Jones building in Newcastle, now part of NANA, the city's newest ARI. The works will be on display from 26 January - 22nd February, and can be seen all hours. Opening drinks: February 8, 2014 from 1-4pm NANA Contemporary Art Space 185 Hunter St Mall, Newcastle |