Go behind-the-scenes with Patricia Piccinini in her Melbourne studio

Summary

The video script delves into the intersection of the artificial and natural, exploring the relationship between humans, technology, and the environment. It discusses the creation of an 'alternative world' that blends the cultural with the organic, featuring contemporary fables and a balance of aesthetic and narrative. The artist collaborates with Patricia, developing ideas through drawing, sculpture, and installation, aiming to provoke thought and empathy. The work is influenced by surrealism and social realism, reflecting on the impact of science and technology on society. The exhibition invites viewers to engage with the artist's dreamlike landscape, challenging perceptions of separation and encouraging connection and empathy.

Takeaways

• 🌿 The artist's work explores the intersection of the artificial and natural, focusing on relationships between humans and the environment, and among beings.
• 🎨 The artist has been collaborating with Patricia for several years to create an alternative world that blends the cultural and natural, technological and organic.
• 🤔 The artwork often poses big questions and aims to make viewers contemplate what it means to be alive, reflecting on the balance and relationship with the world around us.
• 👩‍🎨 The creative process involves starting with drawings and evolving ideas into various forms such as sculptures, videos, or installations, depending on the best medium for expression.
• 🤝 The artist and Patricia have complementary skills, with the artist focusing on the practical and technical aspects, while Patricia brings theoretical and big-picture insights.
• 🌱 The studio, Drom, serves as a platform for the artists to realize their visions, evolving from outsourcing to an in-house team of skilled collaborators.
• 🎭 The artist is influenced by surrealism and 19th-century social realism, appreciating the attempts to represent social reality during times of change and the emotional depth of these movements.
• 🧪 The work often engages with scientific themes, exploring the ethical and moral implications of advancements in fields like stem-cell research and genetic engineering.
• 🌼 The artist is creating a dream-like landscape for an exhibition, featuring a field of 3,000 transgenic flowers, each with organs, representing a fusion of nature and technology.
• 🔍 The artist invites viewers to look beyond the strangeness of their creatures to find empathy and connections, challenging the barriers that separate different forms of life.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the artist's work?

The main theme of the artist's work revolves around the relationship between the artificial and the natural, humans and the environment, and beings within families and strangers. It explores a symbolic representation of a place where technology has become so natural that it takes on a life of its own.

How long has the artist been working with Patricia on this project?

The artist has been working with Patricia for at least three or four years on this project.

What is the significance of the expression on the artwork featuring the artist?

The expression on the artwork is significant as it conveys a meaning and a story within a narrative, while also possessing an aesthetic sensibility.

What does the artist mean by 'contemporary fables'?

By 'contemporary fables,' the artist refers to stories that are imaginative, engaging, and often contain big questions or lessons, potentially making us realize what it is to be alive.

How does the artist's role differ from that of the studio team?

The artist's role is to look after the idea and ensure the final artwork stays true to the vision that animates it, while the studio team assists in transforming the idea into a physical form.

What is the significance of the balance in the artwork featuring the elegant plant body?

The balance in the artwork symbolizes the relationship between beings and everything that has evolved around us, suggesting a connection and interaction with the world.

How does the artist's work relate to art history?

The artist is drawn to surrealism and 19th-century social realism, both of which are movements that attempt to represent social reality during times of dramatic change.

What is the process of creating the artwork like from conception to completion?

The process involves conception through thinking and drawing, followed by collaboration with the studio team to transform the idea into a physical form, which may include雕塑, video, or installation.

Why is the hair-plugging process so crucial in the artwork's final stage?

The hair-plugging process is crucial as it brings a sense of life to the artwork, with curls and patterns that mimic the natural look on the body, enhancing the realism and emotional connection of the piece.

How does the artist use science in their work?

The artist uses science as a dominant language to explain the world and explore the edge of scientific possibilities, often incorporating themes of technology, genetics, and the moral implications of scientific advancements.

What is the purpose of the exhibition featuring the artist's work?

The purpose of the exhibition is to invite viewers into a dream landscape filled with creatures, promoting connection, empathy, and a reflection on the barriers that separate us.