Drawing tools as art objects at Chrissie Cotter Gallery

Thursday, 14 February 2019

Inner West Council’s Chrissie Cotter Gallery will be transformed into a performance space for the intriguingly titled Pee in a Wetsuit or a Long Hot Spa?

In this performance-exhibition, the drawing implements themselves feature as art objects, as well as the works created by the implements.

“It’s about the marks we make on each other and the marks we make independently. It’s about drive and determination to keep going and reap the rewards of patience,” said multi-award winning artist Jody Graham.

The “marks” are created with the strange and beautiful drawing implements which are made from discarded material found in the Inner West.

These “odd instruments” and the drawings they create represent “continued effort and a belief in yourself,” according to Ms Graham.

“This is especially characterised by the beauty in the marks these tools create. The action of drawing is about trusting and proceeding forward, even when it feels hard and arduous,” she said.

During the performances, Jody will create large drawings with the “odd” drawing implements.

As well, a space in the Gallery during the performance-exhibition will be set aside for a collaborative piece, said Ms Graham.

“When visitors come to the gallery they will be able to select their own instrument to draw with, just like going to the shed to get a tool hanging on the wall,” Ms Graham said.

Pee in a Wetsuit or a Long Hot Spa? opens Wednesday, 27 February, 6-8pm and runs until Sunday, 10 March. Gallery hours: 11am-4pm.

Opening night performance: ‘Shared Zone’ with Nikki Heywood, Mark Cauvin, Alyson Bell and Jody Graham, 7pm.

Other performances: ‘Talking Paper’ with Lloyd Fell, James Jeffery, Laurence Williams and Jody Graham, Sunday, March 11.30am.

‘In the Cover of Darkness’: A blindfolded Jody Graham will explore ‘Automatism’ a technique used to access subconscious thinking, Saturday, 9 March, 1pm.

For an interview with the artist Jody Graham call 0410 596 884. For a print quality image, contact the Communication team.

For media enquiries, contact Elizabeth Heath | Media and Communications Coordinator P: +61 2 9392 5334 | E: elizabeth.heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au