Unpacking- A group show

The year is quickly coming to an end – suddenly spring has sprung and students are rushing to the streets. The call for renewal, reform and regeneration keeps popping up and often there is silence instead of an answering response. Artists have historically been called to task in times of drastic change, where works can become a platform for negotiation and processing of ideas. The first group exhibition at Eclectica Print Gallery tackles the current climate of complexities and upheaval with young artists who have confronted the past year through their work.

The artworks that feature look at landscapes and memory, from the personal to the political. There are questions raised through the placement of objects and colours on paper, while others speak of identity and emotions. Through grappling with the notion of looking back and the past year, we ask where we came from and how we got here. What would it mean to truly begin to unpack our thoughts and feelings? To unpack those boxes of old projects and suitcases of summer clothes and think of where we were a year ago? When last year seems to be mirrored and exaggerated this year, what is the role of the artist in relation to the complexities of today? Can we now begin to unpack our thoughts and politics and open up a discussion? What happens if the rolls of protective packaging were unfolded and new works are revealed through engaged awareness and communication?

Unpacking is an art in and of itself – it is a mental challenge and a place for possibilities. Boxes, thoughts, ideas, spaces – unpacking becomes a part of our lives that we often neglect or take for granted. Old work is stored and gathers dust; new work is packaged to be sold. At a time where self care is seen to be an act of revolution, where education is crucial and self-awareness is vital, the possibilities for discussion to be catalyzed by art making are exciting and inspiring. The works on the wall seek to challenge and question or allow for quiet thinking and consideration.

Unpacking examines what has been stored and forgotten and what we’ve learnt through a process of unfolding creases and undoing knots. In this way, a space is created for introspection and engagement.

– Curated by Clare Patrick for Eclectica Print Gallery