Digital Compost 2002 Artist Statement

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This collection is a direct response to all of the genetic engineering experiments happening throughout the world. They are a combination of mutant vegetables combined with human body parts suspended in a dark background of uncertainty. There is an element of beauty and repulsion in them intending to provoke a reaction. Once again illuminated like creatures from the deep their organic mature is more than a vegetable matter.

The Handy Cap Image was the first image to be created in the series and  represents the delicate relationship between humanity and the natural environment. The hand shows the strength, power and weakness of the human race. It acts as a reminder, showing we are not beyond the universal laws, which are responsible for all living things. Because we are mortal, the search to extend the human life continues



Now we have the knowledge and power to change the genetic structures of all life forms. However, by playing with these fragile threads of existence a lottery on life has started. Do we have the right to alter the genes of life forms to suit our desires not knowing what the consequences will be? The capsicum is a symbol of the organic world we are trying to control and the colour red is a warning to all those curious. The power of fragility is knowing how sensitive and strong life can be.

The Handy Cap image shown above won two awards in 2002 which include the Goldprize in the  Nagoya International Design Competition (Japan) and the Darebin Contemporary Artprize (Melbourne, Australia).

Mr Kazu Kawasaki a designer from Japan and a judge in the Nagoya International Design Competition had this to say regarding the art piece Hand-Y-Cap.

“As opposed to works that expressed mere fragility, works that directly proposed some problems or works that challenge us were selected in this competition, themed fragility. Take the work that received the gold prize “Hand-Y-Cap”, for instance. In the beginning, this work made me feel sad some how. My first impression was that a handicapped person is deliberately exposing his/her own handicap. I even felt disgusted. However, I came to realize that the provocative expression inspiring such strong feelings to viewers is the attraction of this work.