'27' Is one of a group of seven works by Louise Weaver exhibited in Gamble Against the Spirit World: Works by Peter Ellis and Louise Weaver

BACKGROUND Weaver's research is concerned with concepts of nature and its representation, its fragility and endurance as her complex objects and installations evoke nature's boundless capacity for reinvention and rejuvenation. CONTRIBUTION '27' builds on Weaver's previous research into themes of transformation and metamorphosis through shamanistic references and by extending her fundamental techniques to a vastly increased scale. The work can be seen as a woven painting. Red nylon wool has been woven though warp threads of hessian so the woven stiches operate in a similar way to the mark-making evident in a comparatively painted abstract surface. Independent marks, made slightly irregular in relation to the neutral flaws and fault lines of the hessian, appear to shimmer optically (almost as a mirage) increasing and diminishing in intensity as the viewer observes the work from various oblique or central positions. This complexity shifts the work away from its craft origins, allowing the ideas to link to other possibilities including the strategies of such minimalist artists as Agnes Martin (evident in such works as White Flower 1960s Guggenheim collection). The inclusion of the 27 kauri shells links the work to the shamanistic use of natural materials. SIGNIFICANCE This work lead to the artist being invited to undertake a residency at the Australian Tapestry Workshop, and for selection as a featured artist in the 2010 Adelaide Biennial of Art.研究背景：薇弗的研究围绕自然的概念及其具象呈现、自然的脆弱性与持久韧性展开，她的复合型作品与装置艺术彰显出自然无穷无尽的重塑与焕新潜能。 核心贡献：作品《27》延续了薇弗此前关于转化与蜕变主题的研究，通过融入萨满文化意象，并将其核心创作技法拓展至前所未有的超大尺度。该作品可被视为一幅编织绘画：红色尼龙绒线穿梭于粗麻布（hessian）经纱之间，编织针法的运作逻辑与抽象绘画表面可见的痕迹创作手法高度相似。独立的编织痕迹因粗麻布本身的天然瑕疵与断层线而略显不规则，在视觉上呈现出类似海市蜃楼的闪烁效果——当观者从不同斜向或正面视角观赏作品时，其明暗强度会随之增减。这种复杂性使作品脱离了传统手工艺的范畴，使其创作理念得以与更多艺术路径产生联结，例如极简主义艺术家艾格尼丝·马丁的创作策略（可参考其1960年代作品《白花》，现收藏于古根海姆美术馆）。作品中融入的27枚贝壳杉（kauri）贝壳，则将创作与萨满文化中对天然材料的使用理念相勾连。 作品意义：该作品促使艺术家获邀入驻澳大利亚挂毯工坊，并入选2010年阿德莱德艺术双年展的特邀艺术家阵容。