-
Details
- Date
- 2011
- Media category
- Textile
- Materials used
- gift mat Pandanus and dye
- Dimensions
- 147.0 x 297.0 cm
- Signature & date
Not signed. Not dated.
- Credit
- Contemporary Collection Benefactors 2019
- Location
- Not on display
- Accession number
- 63.2019
- Copyright
- © Harry Newell
- Artist information
-
Newell Harry
Works in the collection
- Share
-
About
This work takes the form of Pandanus mats, traditionally used for trade and as ceremonial gifts in Vanuatu, where they were made by local weavers. In a Western context, the mats lose their original monetary status. Harry is interested in how words are similarly subject to slippages of meaning as they circulate between contexts. This aspect of his practice has been partly informed by his nomadic experience of moving between cultures, including extensive time spent living in the Pacific. Harry has spoken of using language in his work as a way of leaving meaning unfixed. Along with the unexpected and nonsensical word plays seen here, he often uses slang and creole to similar effect.
-
Exhibition history
Shown in 2 exhibitions
No name station, Gertrude Contemporary, Fitzroy, 16 Mar 2012–07 Apr 2012
Untitled (12th Istanbul Biennial), , , 17 Sep 2012–13 Nov 2012