Perch Project 2016: Altarpieces
September 13, 2016 - November 6, 2016
Boardroom
Altarpieces is an exhibition of Works from the Collection curated by Marion Breinhorst, Carmel College
When we think of an altarpiece, it is traditionally something that is used to decorate a sacred space, a spiritual space.
In modern times, religion has taken a step back, and the word ‘religion’ is no longer restricted to defining an orthodox or official belief system and tradition. Humanity has adopted many different outlets which can technically be described as ‘a religion’. Each has its own sacred space, each has its imagery and symbols, but all of these have smeared the traditional essence of religion. The word ‘religion’ has come to signify a way of life, as it did before, but in a very loose way. Altarpieces traditionally depicted the divine, untouchable and mystic elements of faith, figures to be adored and worshipped.
This exhibition offers some of the “deities” of secular modern day ‘religions’, and the pieces which would adorn their altars.
Through contemplation of the works on display we question the things modern society worships; money, food, exercise, love, adventure, intellect without empathy, blind belief without reason. If these aspects of contemporary life were taken away what are we left with? What immortal ideals do we have to carry us through and which we can be certain will remain as our support?
Altarpieces offers a chance to consider these questions and an awareness of the personal values that shape our decisions on what we choose to worship.
Perch Project 2016, New Curators on Display
Art History Students from participating Secondary Schools joined in a special series of tours at the Pah Homestead and Rannoch earlier this year. Using the artworks they saw as inspiration, students selected works from the Collection and conceived curatorial concepts to devise an exhibition for the Pah Homestead.
Two proposals were selected to be shown at the Arts Centre. These were by students from Carmel College and Diocesan School.