Douglas Fuchs' 'Floating Forest': 30th anniversary exhibition
17 February 2012 to 1 April 2012
Ararat Regional Art Gallery presents Douglas Fuchs’ monumental fibre installation, 'Floating Forest’ from 17 February to 1 April 2012, in partnership with the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.
Douglas Fuchs (1947-86) was an American basket maker who came to Australia on a Craft Council of Australia Fellowship in 1981-82. He arrived in June 1981 and visited Aboriginal weavers in Arnhem Land, which expanded his vision for a sculptural approach to basketry and encouraged his use of Australian plant materials. He arrived in Adelaide in July 1981 and set up a studio at The Jam Factory, where he began work on his ambitious ‘Floating Forest’ installation with the assistance of local artists. Douglas exhibited three versions of ‘Floating Forest: at the Adelaide Festival Centre Gallery from 27 November to 24 December 1981, the Meat Market Craft Centre, Melbourne from 26 January to 28 February 1982 and the Crafts Councils Centre Gallery, Sydney from 1 to 23 May 1982.
‘Floating Forest’ is widely considered a landmark in the development of a contemporary approach to basketry in Australia, and many artists who came to know Douglas speak of the profound impact he had on their lives. Douglas’ residency also enabled a transformation in his own practice, where he exploited his significant knowledge of basketry technique in the pursuit of a freer, more expressive and personal sculptural vision. Sadly ill health affected his ability to pursue this ambitious new direction on his return to the USA. Douglas died in 1986, but key components of ‘Floating Forest’ were acquired by the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, making it possible to mount a 30th anniversary presentation of ‘Floating Forest’ and celebrate Douglas’ creative legacy.
There are challenges associated with presenting ‘Floating Forest’ 30 years after its creation as there are no instructions to support a remounting of the installation according to the artist’s wishes. However, the key components of ‘Floating Forest’ survive in the collection of the Powerhouse Museum and this 30th anniversary exhibition will provide an opportunity to present these sculptures, contextualised alongside photographs of the original installations and didactic panels exploring ‘Floating Forest’ and its influence.
BASKETS FOR DOUGLAS
To complement the 30th anniversary exhibition of ‘Floating Forest’, artists who knew Douglas Fuchs have been invited to create new baskets that reflect on Douglas Fuchs' creative legacy for the associated exhibition, 'Baskets for Douglas'. These vessels are a symbolic repository for each contributor’s memories of Douglas and highlight the persistence of his influence 30 years on. Represented artists are Charlotte Drake-Brockman, Dion Channer, Pat Dale and Virginia Kaiser.
ARARAT BASKETFEST 2012
A series of public programs will be presented to broaden the context in which basketry in Australia can be appreciated, 30 years after Douglas Fuchs’ landmark installation. This program includes:
- Exhibitions at Ararat Regional Art Gallery by Lucy Irvine and Wendy Golden.
- Intensive workshops by Wendy Golden (18 & 19 February 2012) and Lucy Irvine (24 & 25 March 2012) to be held at Allanvale Shearer's Quarters, near Great Western.
- A symposium on Saturday 31 March 2012 featuring key influences and experts in the Australian fibre art field and artists whose contemporary practices are informed by basketry techniques and traditions.
- Children's workshops run by Cherree Densley on Saturday 31 March 2012 to coincide with the symposium.
- The exhibition of 'The Big Basket' in the front window at Pegis boutique at 80 Barkly Street, Ararat from 22 February to 3 April 2012. This project was presented the result of a Children's Week 2011 collaboration between 100 local children and basket maker, Cherree Densley.
To receive a program for Ararat Basket Fest 2012 or for more information, please contact the gallery by phone on 03 5352 2836 or email: gallery@ararat.vic.gov.au
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