2010
An interactive, evolving sculpture travelling through and connecting regional Victorian communities in artistic action. Raising awareness by tying knotted ribbons of support for gay/lesbian issues. To view newspaper article on this work please click here.
Rainbow Love writeup in Ararat Advertiser
‘Rainbow Love’ is an interactive sculptural piece directly addressing the articulated concerns of gay and lesbian people and their families in remote Victoria, and primarily focused on overcoming isolation and generating social connectedness within remote regions, promoting change through artistic action, and advocating same sex marriage law reform.
Current Tour schedule with pictures:
Other sites in discussion with artist are Lake Bolac, Shepperton, Adelaide Feast, and other exhibitions are planned nationally once the installation has toured regional Victoria.
Please feel free to contact the artist on 0400 660 192 if you would like the Rainbow Love to exhibit in your region.
A bit more about this project...
The outline of the word ‘LOVE’ is constructed out of 5cm grid galvanized mesh and powder coated white, with black stands. Each individual letter (90cm high) is supported by a small weighted stand elevating it 50cm from floor level. Onto this letter frame participants will tie rainbow coloured ribbons created from second hand sheets. The interacting public will select a ribbon of their choice and write their name and hope/wish/dream, then tie it to the word. The work will be 2.8m long including some breathing space between the letters and will need access on all sides for people to attach their ribbon. It has an additional writing stand housing the ribbons and pens and a small leather book for people to record their message and name.
From an artistic and conceptual viewpoint, the word 'Love' forms the blank canvas or the unifying ethos by which all change, tolerance, acceptance, hope, equality etc can be borne. The symbolism of 'tying the knot' represents an affirmative action for change, creating active individual participation as part of a larger community movement for change. The deconstructed sheets symbolize comfort and consummation. Eventually ‘LOVE’ will be covered in tens of thousands of rainbow coloured ribbons, taking on the shape, texture and energy of all those who contribute, a unification of hopes and dreams.
‘Tie the Knot’ addresses the concerns articulated by the gay and lesbian community in remote and regional areas. Issues of isolation, lack of available social networks and information, discrimination, appropriate health access, lack of community awareness of gay and lesbian issues, and youth suicide. It will bring the gay and lesbian community together (as it tours around regional centers and exhibition spaces) to participate in community arts, advocate change against legal and social discrimination, promote health practice, develop social and information networks, and through social connectedness help to overcome the isolation effecting gay youth in the remote Victorian regions. Its ongoing benefits for the wider community will be generating acceptance and raising awareness of those issues facing the gay and lesbian people in remote areas. As the piece evolves and gathers momentum, its participants will feel part of an artistic movement, something ‘bigger’ than them. And the names and messages have the long-term benefit of generating groundswell for legal change towards a legislature without gender discrimination.
