Fiona Harding - Slow To The Trees
MACHINERY ST | 16 December 2024 - 25 January 2025
Artist: Fiona Harding
Fiona Harding, the winner of the 40 Under 40 Exhibition & Art Prize 2024 - 3D Prize, will present her sculptural practice at artisan Machinery Street Gallery.
Exhibition: Slow To The Trees
Slow To The Trees is a site-specific installation by artist Fiona Harding (Spirit You), featuring entirely hand-built elements crafted through slow processes. This approach serves as a counterpoint to the efficiency-driven ethos of capitalist productivity. Functioning as a conduit between the audience and the surrounding environment, the work centers on acknowledging trees as ancient beings, whose wisdom and existence long predates humanity.
The phrase "slow to the trees" arose from a lucid dream and was chosen in consideration of the gallery’s urban context; its dual audience of pedestrians and motorists, the nearby street trees, and the exhibition’s placement during the festive season. Text in the work, becomes a directive, designed to subvert window advertising, whilst drawing from the utility and language of road signs. High contrast is employed, to engage those who maybe passing by quickly.
Image Credit
Image 1 + 3: Nature Shelter (exhibition view), 2023, Fiona Harding. bamboo poles, gold leaf, wool (thrifted), wire, pine needles, 1.2 x 2.7m.
Image 2: Everlasting Gold Top (exhibition view), 2023, Fiona Harding. locally sourced bamboo poles, plywood, gold leaf, glazed ceramics, 1.1 x 1.5m.
Image Courtesy of Fiona Harding
