House Conspiracy
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Glossopteris:
Black Beyond Coal
House Conspiracy
The curatorial theme of this group exhibition, draws reference to Glossopteris, a genus of extinct seed fern whose fossils are among the greatest contributors to Permian coal deposits in Australia and India. These same fossils were among the primary clues that lead geolists to theorise continental drift and shape the Gondawana model, which connects the ancient lands of Australia and India.
Indian artist in residence, Raju Sutar, dedicated his time at House Conspiracy to developing 'Black Beyond Coal', a series of works that oppose his countryman Adani's Carmichael coal mine. In standing in solidarity with the Wangan and Jagalingou People, the traditional owners of the land, at this critical time, Sutar's series became a catalyst for the Glossopteris theme and its inter-disciplinary curatorial approach, which sees the exhibition extend into two offsite events.
‘Glossopteris: Black Beyond Coal' featured works by Indian artists Raju Sutar, Vaishali Oak, Thaj Backer, and Aboriginal artist Benjamin Creek exhibited alongside performances by local musicians Seamus Kirkpatrick and Greg Reason, plus a collaborative performance by sound artist Leah Barclay and 'Thus Spoke the Plant' author/scientist Monica Gagliano, and a screening of Waiting for Postcards, a short film by Danny McShane that documents the making of Omegachild's debut EP as he embarks on a musical journey throughout India.
At its conclusion, a symbolic 'Boundary Street Conspiracy Crossing' walk saw the exhibition transitioned across the street into an up late Club Conspiracy concert event.
The event extended over the following day, with Monica Gagliano conducting an offsite reading and Q&A at The Book Merchant Jenkins.
Club Conspiracy
Event held at the West End Hotel following the Glossopteris opening at House Conspiracy.
This exhibition took place on the unceded lands of the Turrbul and Yuggera Peoples.
We acknowledge and pay respect to the land of Meanjin, the traditional custodians of that land, the Turrbul and Yuggera peoples, on which this project took place.
Thanks to:
Raju Sutar // Thaj Backer // Vaishali Oak // Omegachild // Monica Gagliano // Leah Barclay // Seamus Kirkpatrick // Greg Reason
Showcase Writer: Jake Sun
Creative Director in Residence: Jake Sun
Documentation Photography: Joseph Lynch