In a corner of the balcony area at MAF you’ll come across BUS Projects – one of the eight galleries to present in the MAF Project Rooms, aimed at showcasing emerging artists and experimental works from Artist Run Initiatives.
Bus Projects presents the work of Marcin Wocjik, and is a breath of fresh air amongst the white cube spaces. Against a bright blue backdrop, referencing the blue screen used in video compositing, Wocjik has staged two ‘scenes’, using props to conjure up an empty setting relating to certain sports or physical ventures – one is based on cycling and the other mountaineering with a rope bridge crossing over a glacier accompanied by ice picks. The materials he has used are honest and playful, also incorporating a sound component and a steam train mechanism which is activated every hour.
Wocjik’s work beautifully uses simple objects to create scenes similar to a cartoon world or 8 bit computer game., and invites the viewer to step into this space and consider the boundaries between virtual spaces, theatrical sets, performance, and art. It’s light-heartedness and experimental nature is quite different to anything at the Melbourne Art Fair, but this is what makes it one of the day’s highlights.
