Opening Thursday 14 November from 6-8pm is ‘Paper to Puppetry’ – an exhibition by five professional artists with disability, in collaboration with puppetry company Erth, digital media storytellers Curious Works, Alison Clouston and Leigh Rigozzi – at Gaffa Gallery.
The exhibition showcases the first stage of works by Studio ARTISTS Mathew Calandra, Nadia Lolas, Skye Saxon, Greg Sindel and Robert ‘Thom’ Smith, who joined forces with Erth, Curious Works, and artists Alison Clouston (sculptor/installation artist) and Leigh Rigozzi (graphic novelist), to create a compelling and eye popping visual experience!
The Paper to Puppetry project was designed to develop aspects of particular artists established practice, and specifically planned in response to their interest in ‘storytelling’, enabling them to experiment with new mediums and creative mentors. What has evolved as a result of this collaboration is a body of work that fuses various media (paper, puppetry, video, performance and photography) in a way that is innovative and expressive.
The project aspires to broaden community perceptions around the capacity and life experience of artists with disability, and to create further opportunities and support for artists with disability to participate in Australia’s art scene.
Several of the artists live with down syndrome and autism, and as such have a strong preference for familiarity and routine. Despite this, each Studio ARTIST enthusiastically agreed to the project, and worked with energy, ease and focus. Gabrielle Mordy, Artistic Director, says, “projects like ‘Paper to Puppetry’ have seen our participating artists demonstrate increased skills, self-esteem, social networks and financial independence”.
Paper to Puppety
Gaffa Gallery
14 to 22 November, 2013
Sydney