'Wanton, Wild and Unimagined' at Noosa Regional Gallery

Wanton, Wild and Unimagined is a playful exhibition of sculptured recycled plastics that stirs the imagination and evokes environmental reflection.

Townsville environmental artist, Alison McDonald has spent many hours manipulating the humble plastic bottle, and collecting thousands of lids to make a variety of ‘unimagined’ and impossible creations inspired by plants, oceans and by John Wyndham’s book, The Day of the Triffids. 

“Humans have long had a love affair with plastic, believing it to be the answer to our eco-prayers. My artworks reuse plastic materials in an attempt to raise questions about the relationship we have with plastic, and about its supposed sustainability,” says McDonald about the touring exhibition. 

According to curator, Ross Searle, McDonald is “greatly influenced by her location in the tropical north of Queensland”.

“The material that most dominates her sculpture is plastic; and plastic makes up the majority of marine debris not only seen on northern shorelines but floating in oceans worldwide,” says Searle.

“Whilst the work draws attention to cynical and apathetic consumer culture… there is also great humour in the way these playful transformations engage our senses.”

Exhibiting artist Alison McDonald is visiting Noosa Regional Gallery from her hometown in Townsville for a weekend of talks and workshops. 

The Gallery invites those interested in McDonald’s art to meet the artist, Friday 5 May, 2.30pm-3.30pm at Noosa Regional Gallery. 

Alison McDonald will host a one-day workshop, Weaving with recycled material, this Saturday, 6 May, from 10.30am. Cost is $25 per person. Book by calling (07) 5329 6145. It will be followed by a free event, Make your own Triffid, Sunday, 9am to noon. Bring a coloured plastic bottle to cut up and use as part of the workshop.

Wanton, Wild & Unimagined is a travelling exhibition organised by Umbrella Studio contemporary arts, toured by Museums & Galleries Queensland. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government's Visions of Australia program, and supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments.

3 May 2017