5 – 21 November 2021. The premier of the final collaborative artwork produced with internationally renowned environmental artist Mandy Martin, before her death in July this year. Step Change is the third and final work in a collaborative series by Alexander Boynes, Mandy Martin and Tristen Parr.
Step Change is a large-scale painting, video and sound work that explores the urgent need to transition in the age of climate crisis, and is featured in CROSSING 21, the Fremantle Biennale‘s site-responsive art festival’s third iteration. Using the site of the Kwinana Industrial Area located alongside Derbarl Nara (Cockburn Sound), the work shifts between the real and the sublime, as the still becomes moving and the changing sonic atmospheres turns light to dark. Video documentation of the completed work will be released after the Biennale launch, but in he meanwhile, check out the audio description of Step Change here.
Using the site of the Kwinana Industrial Area located alongside Derbarl Nara (Cockburn Sound), the work shifts between the real and the sublime, as the still becomes moving and the changing sonic atmospheres turns light to dark.
Kwinana is a busy and expanding industrial hub and a focal point in Western Australia for public calls to transition to clean energy sources, positioned against the WA Government’s on-going commitment to natural gas expansions in 2021. COVID-19 drew our attention to the benefits of radical economic ‘degrowth’ and its benefits to environmental health. Step Change looks to the urgent need for attention to climate change and asks us what kind of habitable planet we are leaving to future generations.
CROSSING 21 explores Fremantle’s intrinsic past and present relationship with the Swan River through a series of immersive, large-scale artworks and performances. Tracing the shores of the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) from Walyalup (Fremantle) and Dyoondalup (Point Walter), a focus of activity will take place between the two iconic Fremantle bridges. The complete 2021 Program is now live and runs until 21 November 2021, follow @fremantlebiennale to find out more.
Step Change, Crossing 21 Fremantle Biennale
Alexander Boynes, Mandy Martin, sound by Tristen Parr
5th – 21st November 2021
Arts OutWest supported the development of her final works for the Freemantle Biennale with a 2020 Micro Grant.
Step Change, presented as part of CROSSING 21, was made possible through the generous support of the Minderoo Foundation, Fremantle Biennale, Climarte and Arts OutWest.
Meanwhile, Mandy Martin From Queanbeyan to New York: 1978-1984 / Art & Life curated by Virginia Rigney is currently on show at Canberra Museum + Gallery. “Mandy Martin arrived in Queanbeyan from Adelaide in 1978 as an emerging artist, with her primary experience working in the cut and thrust of politically charged community arts. Within just six years she was exhibiting large scale canvases at one of the most prestigious art museums in the world. This exhibition charts the shifts in Martin’s practice over those years, from the sensitive gouaches of her near neighbours and friends, to the expressive drama of the paintings that speak to her deep concern for the environment.” Exhibition current until 22 January 2022.
Alexander Boynes and Tristen Parr write:
” In the final weeks of Mandy’s life we found it greatly uplifting to talk with her about her enduring legacy and contribution to the arts and environment, and planning the future with optimism. With the help of many generous donors we have developed the Mandy Martin Fellowship in her honour, proudly supported by Climarte, which will be awarded through a national call-out made possible by the Capital Artists Patrons Organisation. We will continue to accept donations to grow this fellowship over the coming months, and will announce the application details in 2022.”
IMAGE: Mandy Martin ‘Sketch for Step Change (Oil Rig) 2020, ink, pigment and acrylic on paper, 25 x 50cm