Gallery

ARTWORK DETAILS

Name: Aroha Abarca	School:
Title: An Antonymous Abode	Medium: lino printing and stitching
Description: A collection of three lino prints with stitched thread.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Circuses, water parks, and festivals are all familiar amusement for mankind. Whereas, bushland, forests, and the ocean are necessary environments for wildlife. An Antonymous Abode (2022) is a series of lino prints which exemplifies the impossibility of animals to thrive in the same settings which satisfy the hearts of many people. Featuring thread sewn into the animals' eyes, this artwork emphasises the near endangerment or even extinction of numerous species around the world and is a crucial reminder that "we don't own the planet earth, we belong to it. And we must share it with our wildlife." (Steve Irwin)

ARTWORK PROCESS

Developing: • Experimented with rainbow rolling, thread, and how different colours would visually, and thus, emotionally affect viewers • Considered irony and juxtaposing nature vs manmade Researching: • Investigated leading causes to the endangerment/extinction of animals, and which animals are at risk of endangerment globally • Researched common places known for amusement and entertainment - circuses, water parks, and festivals Reflecting: • Engages audience through vibrant colours, familar places, and exposure to a prevalent global issue • Highlights the idea of animals thriving in manmade environments as unrealistic and that they require their natural habitats for survival

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Aroha Abarca

Aroha Abarca is an emerging Filipino-Australian artist from Brisbane, whose artworks reflect upon global issues. Focusing primarily on raising awareness for often neglected problems, Aroha's main medium is lino printing, usually at a large scale. As a young artist, Aroha aims to expand her artistic practice in printmaking and aspires to provoke thought through innovative techniques utilised throughout her artworks.