I went to the gallery today and discovered this Melbourne based artist Kate Rohde. Although her works are quite kitsch they provide a fantastical and wonderous look into wildlife. Her works explore the spiritual, mythological, and symbolic meanings invested in wildlife, and the human desire to create and control nature for educational and aesthetic purposes. Having recently returned from a residency in Arnhem Land, her installations refer to the manifold histories and cultures of collecting, and to the commodification of nature in western society.
Made from a collaboration of different mediums such as papier mache, plasticine and faux fur, she makes these strange, childish environments and encapsulates them in a display case of a highly ornate nature. The works reflect decorative elements typical of Baroque and Rococo style which was an interesting twist.
Her work took me back and reminded me of when i was a young child and all i wanted were things that were pink and glittery! The three pieces i saw could link back to works by Petah Coyne who creates similar environments with the addition of taxidermy animals and flowers.
If any of you are down Penrith way anytime soon i recommend you check it out. Its pretty wicked.
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