You Are Here is Canberra's very own festival full of awesome ideas including secret gigs, beach parties, and yes- tiny art.
'Petite Public Art' invited local artists- including me!) to make something tiny and exciting, be a little bit sneaky and put it out there to adorn the city centre. Maps provided for those willing to search for treasure or perhaps you will be one of the lucky few who happen upon a gem unawares.
The Map! (And complimentary bumper sticker)
This was the VISION:
Canberra has a reputation for investing bazillions in large-scale public artworks and then just plonking them any old where. To try a different tact, You Are Here has invited a street team of Canberra artists to festoon their city with public art of the more covert variety. In cracks in the pavement, on windowsills and in flowerboxes, tiny sculptures and interventions infiltrate the city, going unnoticed to the masses, but rewarding those who take the time to look a little more closely.
Pick up your art map from the Canberra Museum and Gallery before heading on your self-guided walking tour. You might have to search hard, but you also might find you never look at the city in the same way again!
Tiny Art spotted!
When Yolande Norris invited me to be a part of this project, the thing I was most excited about was the opportunity to create a moment of unexpected discovery.
When you go to a gallery you expect to see something, and hopefully it will be amazing. When on your way to work or play the surprise of a sweet little something is an absolute perk up. The moment you discover it and take a double take. This is what I wanted to indulge in.
Now one thing lead to another and my artist husband and I ended up transforming a collection of motley snails into fully sick beasts rearing to race. I will include more photos soon!
For now, here are a few of my discoveries so far, I hope you get a chance to head into the city and find gold too.
:
Fiona and Adam Veikkanen
Adam Veikkanen
Jacqui Bradley
Poppy Malik
Tiffany Cole
Jonathan Webster
Helani Laisk
Adam Veikkanen
Official Opening Friday March 9, 5:30pm, Canberra Museum & Gallery.
Exhibition continues Thursday March 8 – Sunday March 18, around the Canberra CBD.