Janet Fletcher’s practice examines and reinterprets idiosyncrasies, myths, landscapes, and vernacular that make Australia so unique to the rest of the world. Working across a variety of disciplines and materials, she creates alternate ‘worlds’ in which her works reside. Sculptures are characterised by painterly textures and often, humorous, or grotesque forms that combine to create unorthodox ‘props’ that are then interacted with in performance. Through tactile engagement with her creations, she considers that the works are imbued with agency – an ability to continue to live, and even ‘think’ after performance, creating their own connections and futures.
During this residency, Janet will explore aspects of popular local urban and youth culture that recur through generations of Australians, and how they may have been shaped by historical perceptions of the ‘hard-working man of the land’ and the ‘lovable larrikin’. Using the juxtaposition of humorous and uncomfortable visual motifs, sculpture, text-based works, and video performance, provide a feminist interpretation of such male-dominated myths. It is hoped that an awareness and reminder of where the female is positioned within Australian history and culture, encourages us to continue to question and respond to certain beliefs and values that make up our collective identity.
Studio days and hours
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM − 3:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday by appointment