By NICOLE VALICEK
THE Substation’s newest exhibition explores what can be discovered when a group of artists uncover the topic of “Modern Ruin”.
“Modern Ruin” brings together 10 artists who explore through their practices decay and detritus, form and disintegration and historic failures within the context of the modern ruin. The group exhibition, curated by Michael Brennan and Aaron Martin, uses all of The Substation’s exhibition spaces and includes a billboard exhibition outside the venue.
“It brings together a diverse group of artists all interested in the idea of what happens to objects and spaces when their useful life has come to the end and the stories that are revealed through that process,” curator Michael said.
“(It explores the) romantic notion of ruined castles, when you see old buildings and poses questions like why is that more interesting than a warehouse smashed up 20 years ago by Bobcats as opposed to something degraded.”
He said the exhibition was looking at the value people put on things and how value changed when use-by dates expired.
The exhibition is a feature of the Big West Festival.
In his installation artist, Marcello Guardigli documents an abandoned warehouse turned skate park that was smashed by a Bobcat and left in rubble, using black and white photographs.
Modern Ruin runs at The Substation 1 Market St Newport, until 15 December.
