TALKING THROUGH YOUR ARTS – HIDDEN 2013

Every step stirs a song. Only you have strayed up here alone, a voice from the feet uttered on the lower jaw of the ground, like the feelings of birds your steps become airborne and ephemeral. Likewise they then can come to rest in silence, in the wrinkles and leafy recesses of a shady tree, or hidden in the Rookwood Cemetery.

Feelings located in amongst the many headstones betray a visual influence of sculptures big and small in the fifth exhibition of Hidden, a sculpture walk within the largest cemetery in the southern hemisphere.

Flaws and imperfections map our vision along the art trail and are part and parcel of this total desiring look. The lopsided walk binds more lastingly and relentlessly than any permanent monument.

Among the many exhibits of Hidden, technology and innovation are the seeds of Sydney artist Lisa Bowen’s work. Lost and Found is an interactive dig-up that seeks clues to uncover the identity of people whose photograph was taken. The unidentified portrait gets a life-line and is revived, purchased from a thrift shop and posted on poles.  A compelling work that has successfully bedded a number of characters both from the physical posters installed onsite at the graveyard and also from online social network sites.  These resurrection photographs invite the reader; “do you recognise this person – are you missing them?”

Hidden was created to promote local art by supporting the arts community and to overturn the public’s negative perceptions of cemeteries by ‘re-enlivening’ burial grounds.  Visitors can explore the historical site freely while picnicking their way through an afternoon. (AS)

Hidden 2013, until Oct 31, Rookwood Cemetary, Hawthorne Ave, Rookwood, free, hidden.rookwoodcemetary.com.au

BY ANGELA STRETCH