MEDIA RELEASE 17 August 2022
'THE TOUGH BUILDING WITH SOFT EDGES' PORTRAIT OF A HOUSE BY LOUISE WHELAN OPENS 2 SEPT 2022 AT MANLY ART GALLERY & MUSEUM
Using the long form photographic genre, photographer Louise Whelan has documented the construction and evolution of architect Peter Stutchbury's Indian Head House. Her works now form an exhibition at Manly Art Gallery and Museum that runs from 2 September - 16 October.
Known as the 'tough building with soft edges' this rare behind-the-scenes format, takes viewers inside the process of a famous Australian architect constructing his own family home, to get up close and personal with the architect's journey. The action was observed while Stutchbury was living on site in a tent, finalising the details of the build with his expert team of industrial designers, fabricators and woodworkers, fellow architects, and family members.
The embedded approach taken by Whelan is captured over 4 years in the artist's distinctive style. Whelan's artistic practice draws inspiration from environmental and humanitarian issues, and from her interest in the aesthetics of memory.
Louise Whelan's images have now been transformed into a collaborative film, which speaks about the process of making, art, portraiture, landscape, and architecture, poetically creating a trail of memories that turn the mundane into tableaus.
Her photographs and film will be shown after Peter Stutchbury opens the exhibition on Friday 2 September and both the artist and architect will take part in a talk from 2-3 pm on 18 September 2022 at Manly Art Gallery & Museum.
Sandy Edwards, photography curator/mentor will open the exhibition on Friday 2 September 6 - 8pm
