By Tracy Sorensen
SYDNEY — While participants can "expect the unexpected" at a one-off "happening" at the Pod Gallery in Darlinghurst on September 19, artist Cat Miller can name some things that will definitely be there: a recycled fashion show by a local '70s clothing shop, music from the band Synchronicity and displays of African jewellery.
The evening kicks off "Catalyst Three: The Recycled Experience", a one-week exhibition at the gallery. The idea is to promote the work of local artists, while encouraging people to think more about recycling. Takings from the door will be donated to Friends of the Earth.
"People have an archaic view of recycling", says Miller. "They think about squashing cans and tying up newspapers with string. But it's also about getting away from the need to use stuff that is new."
In fact, she says, things are better the second or third time around. Wooden furniture seasons with age, and old clothes, modified to taste, can create a more individual look than off-the-shelf department store fashion.
Miller, an artist with a background in design, illustration, animation, photography and collage, lived in London before moving to Sydney three months ago. Catalyst One and Two, both held in London, raised money for the homeless and people living with AIDS.
Music, film, and the visual arts are powerful media used by the commercial world to encourage people to escape from reality and to conform, she says. Alternatively, the arts can be used to reclaim individuality and a sense of connection with the natural environment.
"You can go a whole day sitting at a formica desktop, using a plastic phone, a plastic pen, never coming into contact with a natural surface. There's been a sort of 'plasticisation' of the world, there's a synthetic quality to everything.
"But you can change your environment by reusing things in it in different ways. You can take the basic shell or shape of a thing and remodel it, and end up with something very individual."
"The Recycled Experience" is still open to artists, photographers, musicians and anyone who would like to get involved; the recycling theme is completely open to interpretation. The next planning meeting will be held at the Pod Gallery, 183 Campbell Street, Darlinghurst. Phone 360 4521 for more information.