what is this? (2021)

AN EXHIBITION IN COLLABORATION WITH HOLLY DURANT, LUCY PIJNENBURG & SARA RETALLICK

“We are not speculating with our mind. We are trying to become one with the question. The most important part of the question is not the meaning of the words themselves but the question mark. We are asking unconditionally, WHAT IS THIS? without looking for an answer, without expecting an answer. We are questioning for questioning’s own sake. This is a practice of questioning, not of answering. We are trying to develop a sensation of openness, of wonderment. As we throw out the question What is this? we are opening ourselves to the moment. There is no place we can rest. We are letting go of our need for knowledge and security”

Martine Batchelor

Programmed as part of NGV Melbourne Design Week 2021 and supported by The Capitol, WHAT IS THIS? was an exhibition exploring the collaborative investigations of myself (sculpture/ installation/ spatial design), Holly Durant (performance artist/ choreographer), Lucy Pijnenberg (cinematographer) and Sara Retallick (sound artist).

Imagination in design is developed through and beyond function, with the aim to expand preconceived confines of "design" into realms that encompass artistic value, social & environmental idealism and imaginative user experience.