Flesh and Bone Experiment, Forest Art
Friday 13 September, 5–10pm
Ever wanted to be part of a rolling art installation? Well you can. Forest Art’s latest exhibition Flesh and Bone Experiment is an immersive experience from the minute you arrive until you leave. Held at the Forest Art Studio of Brendan Kelly and Claire Yerbury, Forest Art is dark, surprising, and endeavours to push creative boundaries. The Echo spoke to Brendan about what’s in store for the fourth studio exhibition.
Tell me the concept for Flesh and Bone – what kind of experience do you want to give people at Forest Art this time?
B: We theme the shows so we have a cohesive body of work to exhibit, but everyone’s take on the theme is different, resulting in an eclectic, diverse, and unique experience. The shows are one of a kind.
Is this exhibition about selling art?
B: No. It’s about ‘showcasing’ art. It’s closer to a catwalk fashion show than a typical art exhibition. We ask contributors to show their ‘exaggerated selves’ and not to worry about whether they sell or not. Having said that, there’s plenty of work for sale at very reasonable prices.
What is it about immersive art that excites you?
B: Well… being immersed in it! We’re not the kind of people to dangle our toes in the water… we jump in!
Tell me about the other exhibiting artists.
B: We send cryptic invitations to various artist friends offering them a spot in the show. All sorts of amazing people producing amazing art come together on the night. They get really excited by the whole experience and it shows in their work. There are over 30 people involved in the coming show.
How are you going to make this a ‘complete’ flesh and bone experiment?
B: We really feel our way in the dark producing these shows. No-one is doing anything like this so it’s an experiment from the get go. Not-knowing makes for real creativity.
Are there any surprises?
B: Yep. Elements of painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, film, photography, theatre, performance, comedy, and drama are laced with surprises. There’s a fair bit of Willy Wonka going on…
Tell about the charity you are raising money for this time and how people can donate.
B: We’re raising money for Rainforest 4 Foundation, who look after the earth’s flesh and bones. People can give a donation within their budget or buy a raffle ticket to win a surfboard shaped by Australian surfing icon Wayne Lynch.
It’s an adventure just getting to your art studio. How do people find out how to get there?
B: It’s only 10 minutes from Mullumbimby along Wilsons Creek Road, not that bad really.
Email for more details: [email protected]. Friday 13 September 5–10pm.
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