MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION

Fiona Hall – “Nelumbo Nucifera; Nelum (Sinhala); Thamareri (Tamil), lotus” (1999)

Fiona Hall’s ‘Lotus’ image is a series of 3 similar works part of an exhibition entitled 'Paradisus Terrestris'. Each image shows a half opened sardine can exposing a protruding naked body part and various sprouting flora. The exhibition delves into the idea of paradise on Earth and the relationship between nature and culture. In terms of materials, the sardine cans are simply regular aluminium sardine cans recycled in Sri Lanka while the rest of the artwork is made with a combination of aluminium and steel. The artwork was produced through painstakingly accurate carving and engraving, especially that of the body part and flora. The result of the materials and process used shows a mechanic yet down to earth and meaningful artwork.


Tracey Moffat “Something More #1” (1989)

This photograph by Tracey Moffat is the first in a series of 9 entitled ‘Something More’. The series shows the hopes and dreams of a girl desperately wanting to escape her current life. The actual photograph is printed on Ilfochrome (previously known as Cibachrome); a material known for its image clarity and environmental safety. However in the production of the image a staged set was used. Firstly the costumes of each “character” in the shot emphasise and indicate their role in the narrative. Secondly, various props, such as wooden crates and dried out plant life set the scene clearly in rural Australia. And lastly the painted backdrop gives the entire image depth while highlighting the scene with vibrant colours. Each of these main features of production is what enabled Moffat to create a scene so vibrant and capturing.