Object Therapy

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: 'Object Therapy' was a solo exhibition by Scott Mitchell presented as part of the West Space 2013 program. Within the contained space of the gallery a tableau was constructed that mirrored the iconic image 'Cloud Nine project' by Buckminster Fuller and Shoji Sadao. In this image two geodesic spheres float above an inhospitable landscape. Within West Space the two spheres were reconstructed from balsawood while the landscape was modeled from everyday detritus - all the 'things' that constitute the artist's material world. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: 'Object Therapy' explores the distinctions that exist between martial artifacts (everyday objects) and speculative forms (objects of reason). The work establishes how materiality can simultaneously figure an idea (a form) while at the same time fall away from this ideal. The excessive arrangement of things within the gallery sought the metaphorical clarity of a collection, but like most collections failed through being both incomplete and too excessive. Hanging above this collection, the geodesic spheres escape their materiality by gesturing to an object that is yet to come. The work included audio recordings by prominent Melbourne-based artists and writers including Helen Johnson, Rory Hyde, Dan Bell and Bianca Hester. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: 'Object therapy' was selected for exhibiton by the West Space program committee, comprising gallery director Phip Murray and prominent Melbourne artists and curators. West Space arts program is supported by the Federal Government of Australia via the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, the Victorian Government via Arts Victoria and the City of Melbourne through its Arts and Culture Triennial Program.