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About
Madonna Staunton’s aim in this collage was simply to invite contemplation. Staunton likes to ‘bring to life’ disparate elements of what she terms ‘inert matter’, opening up new possibilities for them.
The work can be interpreted as a visual poem, embodying the notion that enlightenment may be found in the commonplace. This idea, coupled with her careful selection and placement of elements, reflects Staunton’s longstanding interest in Oriental philosophy, particularly Zen Buddhism, whose teachings emphasise the importance of capturing the essence of the aesthetic object by the simplest of means.
Details
Date
1985
Materials used
collage of book and box remnants, dried grass stalk on pale green paper, on cardboard
Dimensions
76.0 x 51.0 cm card; 80.0 x 54.0 x 8.8 cm frame
Signature & date
Signed and dated l.l. card, pencil "Madonna Staunton '85".
Credit
Purchased 1986
Location
Not on display
Accession number
158.1986.1
Shown in 1 exhibition
Exhibition history
Kurt Schwitters acquisition and related works from the collection, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 29 Nov 2004–17 Apr 2005
Referenced in 1 publication
Bibliography
Anthony Bond, Australian Perspecta '85, 'Madonna Staunton', pg. 61, Sydney, 1985, 61. Catalogue entry for two collages by Madonna Staunton (not Agnsw works but closely related).