Institution
is
a photographic project that captures the final chapter of history of the former Royal Derwent Hospital (RDH), Australias oldest
Mental Institution, situated New Norfolk, Tasmania. The
former RDH, now subject to a redevelopment scheme, was home to thousands of patients and workers, and an integral part of
the Derwent Valley community for generations.
The haunting images created between 1999 and
2001 reflect a personal response to the changing environment of the hospital site at this time. The wards, dining rooms and recreation areas, are now an echo of the people and their presence. Confronting in their tableau appearance, the deserted interiors depict a feeling of time suspended,
an overwhelming silence that confronts a person (such as a lone photographer) in the environment.
Institution opened as a major solo exhibition at the
Sidespace Gallery at the Salamanca Arts Centre in February 2002. This was followed
by a number of smaller exhibitions at the bequest of the LARCH Consortium and the Derwent Valley Council as part of the Lachlan
River Community Open Weekend and the Derwent Valley Festival, respectively. In December
2000 the work was selected for exhibiton in the prestigious City of Hobart Art Prize
for 2000, the event coinciding with the inaugural 2001 10 Days on the Island Festival.
It is estimated that as a result of Tasmanian based exhibitions Institution has been viewed by
more than 7,000 people.
In
October 2003 works from the Institution series were selected for exhibition as part of the NOISE national youth media
arts festival. The festival profiled young Australian artists in partnership
with over 80 media and arts organisations. The work was published online, in
a national magazine and book; editions were available for purchase from newsagents and ABC shops and Centres. The work exhibited in NOISE reached an estimated national audience of over 15 million people.
For all commission inquiries please call
0408 502 209
fluidphoto@hotmail.com
