VISUAL ARTS REVIEW

Dougal Haslem's Milla Godzilla [image courtesy Pieces of Eight]  

My Pet Rock - Pieces of Eight Gallery (Melbourne)

My Pet Rock is an exhibition designed to challenge your perception of materialism, and as the title suggests, it explores the attachment we all have to so-called “worthless objects” through sentimentality.

Thirteen Australian and international artists are represented by contemporary jewellery and artist-made object gallery, Pieces of Eight, based in Melbourne’s North Fitzroy, making this their largest exhibition of its kind to date.

Through their use of such materials as pyrite (“Fools Gold”), stone, red gum and oxidized silver, the artists cause us to question their creations and even their worth; a piece of string fashioned into a finger ring is actually made of silver, whilst the diamonds set into another piece are industrial grade. It is a highly organic approach to contemporary jewellery design and one that is seldom seen done in such a diverse and complete manner.

Extraneous materials given new life through design - hardly an original concept I hear you cry. However, this collection does manage to stand up well on its own and the underlying narrative of the exhibition is, overall, very well interpreted by the artists.

As well as wearable art there are other intriguing items on show, such as Bridget Bodenham’s sculpted mortar and pestles - primitive ceramic creations which could have landed from another world.

Whilst at the gallery I also had the pleasure of meeting artist Dougal Haslem. Dougal, who started his artistic journey with photography, now seems to have found his true calling working as a sculptor. His miniature masterpieces are both whimsical and innovative, and Dougal skilfully manages to add life and personality to each work through his use of carefully chosen materials.

The artists, jewellery and objects on display offer the viewer a range of thought-provoking interpretations on this theme and the gallery succeeds in its overall execution. It manages to use the limited display space on offer to the best of its ability, and rightfully opts to display the works in a simple manner, taking nothing away from their artistic impact.

Most of the works on display are available for purchase for under $500 and very few are priced above $1000, also making this exhibition accessible to most collectors.

My Pet Rock runs from June 24th to July 19th 2008

Opening times are Tues to Fri 11 – 6, Sat 11 – 5. Also by Appointment.