The Greek philosopher Heraclitis observed that through water, “everything exists in a state of flux. Situated between shapelessness and form; or potential and reality, it is perhaps the perfect lens through which to consider ideas about who or what we are, and where our place is within the world.” (David Suzuki, Liquid Sea , MCA, p13)
Water became a symbol, a material, a methodology and a stage for which to explore my ideas. Cultural and historically, water not only connects us to our place in this world, but draws reference to death, transformation the afterlife. Drawing on a range of beliefs, it can be seen that “water symbolizes the whole of potentiality: it is the fons et origo, the source of all possible existence. Water symbolizes the primal substance from which all forms come and to which they will all return.” (David Jasper, "Screening Angels," The Art of Bill Viola, p.184)
This work, comprised of film, photography and sculpture looks at the choreographed movements of an altered bed sheet. Pinquilt is a broderie anglaise bedcover embellished with thousands of pearl white sewing pins that follow the stitched pattern on the fabric. The top surface shows us its shiny ‘bubbles’ but the underside reveals something more sinister. The multitude of sharp ended pins wave and jiggle coyly like a centipede’s legs, but their shiny silver tips would scratch and pierce the surface of the skin if given the chance. In no way a cosy cover for sleeping, it presents a discomforting punishment that prevents relaxation and denies rest. As a prop, it has been let loose from the confines of its prior existence.
Under the surface of the water, the form glides through space with the slow motion waving frill of a manta ray or recoiled for attack like an angry cuttlefish. The often slow movements, suggest suspension in a moment of weightlessness. This floating suspension was performed by the sheet-as-shroud, remembering the death associated with oceanic imagery.
Virginia Mawer, artist statement February 2009
Although a Sydney girl at heart, Virginia Mawer loves to be out of the country and on the move. In order to see the world and improve her failing Italian, she completed a year at L’Accademia delle Belle Arti in Italy as part of her double degree. Staying on after the academic year had finished, she traipsed about Europe in search of the good life and inner peace. Failing to find either, she returned home to concentrate on her first love, art.
After finishing off the degrees and adding on a gruelling honours year, Virginia is a bit tired. She is taking a catnap in preparation for her masters but continues to exhibit locally and internationally in the meantime.
