Fragments from the land of mist

Full description

Background
This research consisting of a group of 12 related zoomorphic ink drawings considerers how animistic life-forces unfold through human, animal and inert forms. I consider philosopher Peter Singer's writing on animal sentience, and the anthropologist Edward Tylor’s assumption that supernatural beings and spirits inhabit the world and may be present in all things. Concepts that have their origins in artefacts such as the ‘lion man’ (38,000 BCE). My research asks, ‘how can automatic drawing be used as a tool to discover transformative, supernatural animistic imagery’?

Contribution
“Fragments from the Land of Mist” consist of 12 individual ink drawings hand sewn on a stretched canvas support. I employed the use of subconscious automatic drawing to discover forms that suggest transformation of the animal/ human body and spirit, highlighting a connection with nature – both seen and unseen.
I found that humour, the subconscious, imagination and play can extend our understanding of animistic practices and further support the idea of animal sentience. In combining sewn and drawn elements on canvas for the first time, I discovered non-linear narrative ideas for future research.

Significance
My work was selected for the exhibition ‘Morphosis’ Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, by curator Professor Julian Goddard. Indonesian and Australian artists, including Laksmi Shitaresmi, considered animism and the ancient wisdom of the human/animal and other hybrid forms, presenting a multiplicity of perspectives. As the exhibition was during COVID-19 Lockdown, it was supported by a virtual tour, podcasts and a public forum.