My Body is Mostly Water by Kay S Lawrence

Eco AiR program-at Tai Project

My Body is Mostly Water
Kay S Lawrence (澳大利亚Australia)
2013.11.29 -12.07

Reception：2013.11.29, 16:00-21:30

Tai Project, A zone, Jin Ding 1919•Loft, North JinDingShan Lu No.15, Kunming, China
Open Hours： Mon-Sun10-22:00
+86 871 65385159
www.943studio.cn
contemporaryyunnan@gmail.com
@weibo.com/943gallery

Residency duration：2013.11.01–12.08

Support by Greening the Beige(点废成绿)

About the Work/ Artist Statement
Kay S Lawrence’s work addresses the boundaries of nature and culture, developing parameters and perspectives that embrace fractures and dislocations of time/space continuum and the precarious balance in which our fragile natural environment resides. She uses the visual and other sensual qualities of fibre and digital media to address ecological, social and cultural issues of the21st Century.

Humanity is an active ecological agent impacting on this volatile situation, due to our overwhelming anthropomorphic-centric behaviours. In the 21st Century it is imperative that we critically evaluate the ways in which we interact with our planet and that the relationships between nature and culture be renegotiated. The juxtaposition of textiles and digital media is metaphoric for the approach required to current environmental concerns and sustainable practices; the need to find a balance between old and new technologies and knowledge. In my investigations of environments, I embrace the cultural and social memories embedded in those spaces. I move from two dimensional and three dimensional works through performative photographic works to create works that reference the notion of our anthropomorphic-centric society. The body is an integral element in my works, depicted either directly or indirectly, through forms, materials and techniques that have a link to the human body. I use the metaphoric associations of cloth to evoke memories, perceptions and cultural associations to enable the works to create dialogue with viewers on more than a visual level.

Previous residencies in Asia have demonstrated the importance of an open mind to absorb and reflect on cultural and social differences. The experience is magnified when there is interaction with the local community, not just the art community or host organisation. Residencies have provided time for research, reflection and production and emphasised the importance of meaningful and multi-layered cultural exchange and immersion into another culture. Residencies help understand the level of commitment to sustainable practices and environmental protection in our anthropomorphic-centric world.

My experience of residencies indicates that works produced are always very site-specific: ideas crystallise through observation when in residence. Accordingly any plan would be subject to revision. Previously in Beijing, I worked with environmental issues concerning cyanobacteria, specifically, Microcystis. I see that this same species is problematic in Dian Chi as is water hyacinth. At the present time, I can envisage a number of works focusing on water purity. To help identify the specific focus for the residency, I am currently examining other invasive and endangered species and reports of the Yunnan Environmental Court as I am keen to follow any recommendations they may have concerning topical issues requiring immediate attention.
www.kaylawrence.net