On Purpose
Natasha Sutila, Linear vessel 1, copper, 2017, 50 x 50 x 15mm and Michael Wong, Pour form - vol. 1,
125 x 70 x 35mm, copper, cast iron. Photo: Natasha Sutila |
Map reference number: 41
116 Little Lonsdale St
116 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne 26 August – 3 September
Viewable 24/7 Artist/s: Natasha Sutila & Michael Wong
|
On Purpose questions how utility affects the reading and perception of an object.
By taking their objects out of the gallery space and presenting them in their functional context, Michael Wong and Natasha Sutila aim to provoke thought concerning how an object is comprehended, how its form and scale imply purpose, and what expectations are projected onto it through prior associations. Using gold and silversmithing techniques, Michael and Natasha create objects, which have a strong foundation in functionality and craft tradition. Through the creation of new work, this collaborative exhibition seeks to explore the dynamic between the utilitarian and the conceptual.
Installed in the domestic vitrine of 116 Little Lonsdale Street, On Purpose is only able to be viewed from the outside. The works on display are part of the daily routine of the residents, subject to their needs and interpretations. The artists ask that the residents are not disturbed.
By taking their objects out of the gallery space and presenting them in their functional context, Michael Wong and Natasha Sutila aim to provoke thought concerning how an object is comprehended, how its form and scale imply purpose, and what expectations are projected onto it through prior associations. Using gold and silversmithing techniques, Michael and Natasha create objects, which have a strong foundation in functionality and craft tradition. Through the creation of new work, this collaborative exhibition seeks to explore the dynamic between the utilitarian and the conceptual.
Installed in the domestic vitrine of 116 Little Lonsdale Street, On Purpose is only able to be viewed from the outside. The works on display are part of the daily routine of the residents, subject to their needs and interpretations. The artists ask that the residents are not disturbed.
a. Natasha Sutila, Linear vessels, 2017, copper, plaster, largest 100 x 100 x 63mm, smallest 50 x 50 x 15mm. Photo: Natasha Sutila
b. Natasha Sutila, Cut & paste vessels, 2015, copper, paint, Largest 60 x 60 x 85mm smallest 63 x 63 x 35mm. Photo: Natasha Sutila
c. Michael Wong, Pour form - vol. 1, 2017, copper, cast iron, 125 x 70 x 35mm. Photo: Michael Wong
b. Natasha Sutila, Cut & paste vessels, 2015, copper, paint, Largest 60 x 60 x 85mm smallest 63 x 63 x 35mm. Photo: Natasha Sutila
c. Michael Wong, Pour form - vol. 1, 2017, copper, cast iron, 125 x 70 x 35mm. Photo: Michael Wong
About the Artist
Michael Wong is a silversmith trained in Melbourne, Australia. Currently residing in London, Michael’s object-based work investigates the relationship between user and object through functional utility. Interaction through physical and visual affordance facilitates this relationship. With an interest in mechanisms, On Purpose allows viewers to see Michael’s work in its true, functional, context for the first time.
Natasha Sutila is an artist and jeweller currently working in Melbourne, Australia. With a practice grounded in traditional gold and silversmithing techniques, Natasha creates jewellery, functional objects and installation pieces. Interested in decorative art theory and material culture, she seeks to explore the link between historical notions of decorative art and their contemporary manifestations.
Michael Wong is a silversmith trained in Melbourne, Australia. Currently residing in London, Michael’s object-based work investigates the relationship between user and object through functional utility. Interaction through physical and visual affordance facilitates this relationship. With an interest in mechanisms, On Purpose allows viewers to see Michael’s work in its true, functional, context for the first time.
Natasha Sutila is an artist and jeweller currently working in Melbourne, Australia. With a practice grounded in traditional gold and silversmithing techniques, Natasha creates jewellery, functional objects and installation pieces. Interested in decorative art theory and material culture, she seeks to explore the link between historical notions of decorative art and their contemporary manifestations.
