Charred Koala - hanging on
In 2022 I wrote this statement to go with my Charred Koala - hanging on brooch selected for inclusion the exhibition Meanings & Messages.
In 2019 bushfires raged in eastern Australia continuing into 2020 leaving ancient forests, natural scrub, farmlands and townships were devastated in their wake. Thick smoke blanketed the east coast and travelled as far as New Zealand. The Australian prime minister went to Hawaii on holiday.
Ancient forest and animal habitat cannot be quickly replaced. Images of charred wildlife trying to escape drew attention to how few options there were once their natural habitat is gone.
We have a federal election this year, the charred koala represents all of the animals (humans included) that are depending on Australians to protect their future.
The koala is frequently used as a symbol of Australia. It is widely recognisable and its image embodies much more than just a reference to an animal, it is firmly entwined with how Australia presents its identity.
In 2022 the koala has been listed as endangered.
In 2019 bushfires raged in eastern Australia continuing into 2020 leaving ancient forests, natural scrub, farmlands and townships were devastated in their wake. Thick smoke blanketed the east coast and travelled as far as New Zealand. The Australian prime minister went to Hawaii on holiday.
Ancient forest and animal habitat cannot be quickly replaced. Images of charred wildlife trying to escape drew attention to how few options there were once their natural habitat is gone.
We have a federal election this year, the charred koala represents all of the animals (humans included) that are depending on Australians to protect their future.
The koala is frequently used as a symbol of Australia. It is widely recognisable and its image embodies much more than just a reference to an animal, it is firmly entwined with how Australia presents its identity.
In 2022 the koala has been listed as endangered.
Charred Koala- hanging on, brooch, copper, stainless steel pin. 2021. Image: Simon B Armitt.
Meanings & Messages is a touring exhibition organised by the Association of Contemporary Jewellery to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
The ACJ chose to focus on brooches for the exhibition, "as they form the ideal jewellery archetype for conveying meanings and messages. Brooches can be subversive and are often used by people in the public eye, by political figures or sovereignty to convey important messages. These messages may be hidden, subtle or occasionally more of an overt protest!"
Works for the exhibition were selected by a panel consisting of Melanie Eddy – Designer, Educator and ACJ Director, Dairu Han - BA student at Birmingham School of Jewellery, John Moore – Artist, Debika Ray – Contributing editor to Crafts magazine and Rebecca Van Rooijen – Co-Founder and Editor at Benchpeg Ltd.
The exhibition toured 6 venues in the United Kingdom
I originally made three Charred Koalas for Tincal Lab's Jewellery and Nature exhibition 6 November to 31 December 2021. The exhibition featured works by 79 jewellers from 29 countries. The exhibits were selected by a panel of Ana Pina (Portugal) - representing Tincal lab, Marta Costa Reis (Portugal) - representing Jewellery and Jacinto Rodrigues (Portugal) - representing Nature.
Tincal Lab
CCBombarda
Rua Miguel Bombarda, 285, shop 25
4050-381 Porto, Portugal
The ACJ chose to focus on brooches for the exhibition, "as they form the ideal jewellery archetype for conveying meanings and messages. Brooches can be subversive and are often used by people in the public eye, by political figures or sovereignty to convey important messages. These messages may be hidden, subtle or occasionally more of an overt protest!"
Works for the exhibition were selected by a panel consisting of Melanie Eddy – Designer, Educator and ACJ Director, Dairu Han - BA student at Birmingham School of Jewellery, John Moore – Artist, Debika Ray – Contributing editor to Crafts magazine and Rebecca Van Rooijen – Co-Founder and Editor at Benchpeg Ltd.
The exhibition toured 6 venues in the United Kingdom
- St Georges Arts Centre - Gravesham Borough Council - in partnership with LV21 – 30 April – 29 May 2022
- Exeter University – Conference Pop Up exhibition - 1 - 3 July 2022
- Vittoria Street Gallery – Birmingham School of Jewellery – 19 September – 28 October 2022
- Mission Gallery in partnership with Swansea College of Art UWTSD – 19 November – 21 December 2022
- The Goldsmiths' Centre - 9 January – 24 February 2023
- New Brewery Arts – 14 April – 18 June 2023
I originally made three Charred Koalas for Tincal Lab's Jewellery and Nature exhibition 6 November to 31 December 2021. The exhibition featured works by 79 jewellers from 29 countries. The exhibits were selected by a panel of Ana Pina (Portugal) - representing Tincal lab, Marta Costa Reis (Portugal) - representing Jewellery and Jacinto Rodrigues (Portugal) - representing Nature.
Tincal Lab
CCBombarda
Rua Miguel Bombarda, 285, shop 25
4050-381 Porto, Portugal