HI VIS

The HI VIS exhibition explores the fabulous forms of dress and dance to captivate an audience’s attention and compel them to engage in complex political ideas.

Exhibition curator, Luke Letourneau says “HI VIS comes from the high visibility vests worn by construction workers outside Casula Powerhouse, it’s not focussed on the vests but in how familiar clothes are, and seeing it so heightened that it captivates an audience”

At the Casula Powerhouse Museum, each artist’s work explores clothing as more than something frivolous, as a way to build a sense of community. Local artist Leila el Rayes exhibits her 2017 work V&V (Vulnerability and Volatility), with video work which features her performing a feminine dance in a metal chain and knife skirt to the sounds of an Arabian drum; the video is then accompanied by a display of the dress.

“The nature of the knives means it could also damage her, making her vulnerable and exposed to unexpected risks. It’s about what it means to be a brown woman, the beauty and dangers of that,” says Letournea.

Local artist JD Reforma’s new video work MISS ANTHROPY 2020, displayed on a large screen, was inspired by the orange beaded evening gown of former Miss Philippine Catriona Gray’s gown in reference to the recent eruptions in Philippines.

In his work, the artist is shown wearing a facemask next to the volcano. The face mask is a raw reminder of the recent bushfires and later in the video, he removes it to cover the volcano to symbolise our relationship with nature and how we can care more.

This is an exhibition you can’t miss!

Until Mar 15. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, 1 Powerhouse Rd, Casula. FREE. Info: www.casulapowerhouse.com

By Kirsta Cheung