When the word ‘concrete’ comes to mind, it’s not often associated with beautiful and delicate pieces of art, but the latest exhibition at Dubbo Regional Council’s (DRC’s) Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) challenges those perceptions. Concrete: Art Design Architecture is a ground-breaking concrete exhibition showcasing renowned Australian artists, designers and architects.
DRC Curator Kent Buchanan has busily been installing the exhibition at WPCC this week, and says that this major exhibition explores innovative ways that concrete is being used by artists, designers, and architects in Australia in the 21st century.
“The exhibition includes 21 artists, designers and architects from across Australia, and brings together products, projects, and works of art that reflect many of the current preoccupations with concrete within contemporary art, design and architecture in Australia,” said Mr Buchanan.
With a history which spans over 3,000 years, concrete was first used by Egyptians in the building of the pyramids before the Romans produced what we know concrete to be today – hydraulic cement-based concrete used in the Pantheon (completed 128AD). With the fall of the Roman Empire, the secrets of concrete were lost, and it was not until the early nineteenth century that, through the development of Portland Cement, modern concrete was born. This exhibition aims to questions our preconceptions of concrete and to consider its functional as well as its expressive, poetic, and aesthetic dimensions
The range of work is extensive, with fine, hand-crafted jewellery and even spectacular buildings. Many of the exhibitors are award-winning artists and come from all over Australia. They include Pritzker award-winning architect Glenn Murcutt and the multiple award-winning architectural firm Candelpas Associates, who have both used concrete to create beautiful places of worship.
Concrete: Art Design Architecture is the fourth and final element of the art design series, concluding after an incredible 10 years. The art design architecture series started its journey with WOOD in 2011, followed by GLASS in 2015, and STEEL IN 2017. This series of exhibitions, publications and public programs has received more than $1 million in funding from the Australian Government in addition to the support of sponsors and project partners.
“When the CONCRETE tour concludes, the entire four-part series will have presented the works of 101 exhibitors nationally, including here at the WPCC,” said Mr Buchanan.
Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Councillor Ben Shields, says this exhibition provides a unique insight into the history of concrete, and is worthwhile seeing for those who are interested in architecture.
“It’s hard to imagine a world without concrete. A material so prevalent and frequently used, we rarely take the opportunity to consider its impact on our lives and its role in in the development of modern societies,” he said.
Concrete: Art Design Architecture is on display at the WPCC from Saturday 4 December 2002 to Sunday 24 January 2021.
Image caption: DRC Curator Kent Buchanan with Abdul- Rahman Abdullah, David, 2018, concrete, enamel, oxide, installation view Western Plains Cultural Centre, 2020.
Source: DRC