I of the World

Background Discussions regarding climate change and the environment often involve overwhelming emotive language & imagery. The average person can lose a sense of perspective within this discourse. Research Contribution The sculptural, printed, installation work 'I of the World' asks viewers to stand on an ideal world and contemplate their place in space, enabling a sense of perspective that is a combination of humanism and a planetary view placing them right on Earth. 'I of the World' combines the perspectival idealism of the Italian Renaissance with the humbling experience of seeing ourselves from space. The viewer contemplates their affect upon, and in, the world we live. In 1968, Astronaut William Anders produced a photograph that lead to a perspectival shift in humankind. This 'Earthrise' image has the capacity to distance viewers from their place on Earth but somehow enabling understanding of Earth's place in an infinite universe. In the late 15th century, three paintings were produced, known collectively as The Ideal City. Like the Earthrise photograph, their attribution remains contentious. However, held in general agreement is that the images - made in immaculate linear perspective - are a metaphor for good governance and the civilizing presence of architecture. Research Significance I of the World celebrates The Ideal City and Earthrise for their use of perspective both pictorially and phenomenally. As the viewer stands on an idealized form of the world they are invited to gaze at a central mirror & see themselves as a civilizing force, capable of humble perspective and affecting positive change. The artwork was selected as part of 'Flux' at Counihan Gallery by curator Heather Hesterman. Flux was included in the ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE festival of 2017. It was reviewed in the journal for the Print Council of Australia, Imprint, in June 2017 (http://imprint.org.au/printmaking/flow-counihan-gallery/).