Country Arts SA recognises that we are living and creating on First Nations Lands and we are committed to working together to honour their living cultures.
Ambitious new sculpture by Margaret Worth standing tall in the Government House Gardens.
Margaret Worth, As One, 2019,
stainless steel with patina, dichroic foil, corten steel, 235 x 150 x 150 cm.
Courtesy of the artist.
As One is an ambitious new sculpture by Victor Harbor based artist Margaret Worth that was created during her time in residence at Government House. Presented by Country Arts SA, the residency aimed to provide a regional artist the space to undertake self-directed research in Government House, and then to create a sculpture to be displayed in the Government House grounds.
The work was developed over a 12 month period, which included two
one week residences at the Government House for research and installation. As One captures the spirit of the House
and its people.
And you can see it during SALA Festival at two openings of the Government House Gardens, one on August 11 at 1-4pm where Margaret Worth will be conducting an artist talk from 1.30pm and August 18 at 1-4pm
The
following is Margaret Worth’s artist statement that shares information about
her beautiful piece As One.
The artwork focusses on the role of Governor in
Australia in 2019. The role is to stand for the society, reflecting its
collective sense of dignity, stability and shared wisdom and is independent of
politics, commerce, and religion, but includes all of these. The Governor
stands for everyone – as one. The title of the work is As One.
The figure is on a platform. It refers to the heightened status
given to the Governor. It is one step-up only, referring also to the
accessibility of the Governor.
The choices of form, materials and structure have each contributed
to the concept. The form embodies the role of Governor as a figurehead. It is
standing in conscious balance – ‘samasthiti / tadasana’ – ‘within itself and
ready for action’. The right hand holds the symbol of office and the left hand
holds a symbol of diverse peoples together.
The structure creates form out of many parts that are slotted
together to make a whole with self-supporting
strength. It can be seen to refer to many groups deriving strength from
co-existence and mutual cooperation.
Dichroic plates project beyond the edges of the figure creating a
visual aura as a surrounding energy field. Changes in pattern,
light-reflections and transparency are visible as the daylight and viewpoint
change. The interaction with light is transformative and reflects the
gatherings and events that take place at Government House. ‘As One’ re-presents
the nature of our society and the ever-evolving nature of things.
Artist Biography
Margaret Worth is an award winning artist and designer. Margaret is a regional artist, based in Victor Harbour.
Her artworks are held in public and private collections in Australia and the United State of America.
She has participated in prestigious invitational exhibitions including the McClelland National Sculpture Survey & Award, Helen Lempriere National Sculpture Award, Tokyo Biennale, Adelaide Biennial, Sydney Perspecta and Fleurieu Art Prize.