The Water Carriers: Trans-formations explores connections between women, water, and reimagined myths in an exhibition of new sculptural ceramics by Claire Bridge.
Reframing the myth of Daphne, Bridge considers hybridity, adaptation, and queering of human and non-human relationships as strategies for survival and trans-formation. Daphne’s metamorphosis into a laurel tree and escape from Apollo’s relentless pursuit - becomes an act of ecological queerness and biophilic inter-being, challenging extractive, patriarchal narratives.
Women’s bodies, labour, and lives are commodified and disproportionately impacted by climate change and water scarcity. ‘The Water Carriers’ reflects on our environmental relationships and envisions possibilities for ecological renewal.
Celebration event and public programs
ACCESS: Opening event - Auslan Interpreted Celebration event
Please join us for the celebration event, including complimentary refreshments on: Thursday 18 September 6-8pm, Auslan Interpreted event - Register via RSVP link.
Auslan tour
Saturday October 4th: 10:30 - 10:50am, Auslan tour for Deaf and Auslan users only, by the artist Claire Bridge in Auslan - REGISTER HERE
Artist and Curator talk
Saturday October 4th: 11:00 - 11:50am, Artist and Curator talk, Claire Bridge and Jessica Row in conversation followed by Q and A. For hearing and Deaf audiences. Auslan/English Interpreted event. - REGISTER HERE
About the artist
Claire Bridge is a multidisciplinary artist working across sculpture, ceramics, painting and installation in Naarm, Melbourne. Her practice explores cultural and ecological hybridity, drawing out obscured stories and making visible human and more-than-human webs of connection.
Bridge’s work has shown in ‘Melbourne Now 2023’, National Gallery of Victoria, NGV Australia, Art Gallery of NSW, McClelland Sculpture Gallery and Art Gallery of WA. Her works has been selected for biennales and festivals including Beechworth Biennale 2024, The Big Anxiety Festival 2019, and toured nationally in Fecund: Fertile Worlds, 2019. She has been the recipient of numerous commissions including the FCAC/West Space Commission 2022, Hyphen- Wodonga Commission and awarded grants by Creative Victoria, Australia Council of the Arts (Creative Australia) and City of Melbourne.
Public collections include University of Melbourne (SAB), Collection of the City of Maroondah, Honorary Consulate of Monaco, and the Lunar Codex on the Moon.a
Image credit: Claire Bridge, Trans-formation, 2024, glazed ceramic, 67.5 x 38.5 x 33 cm, detail.Tras-formations by Claire Bridge
Kingston Arts Centre
979-985 Nepean Hwy
Moorabbin VIC 3189
T: (03) 9556 4440
W: www.kingstonarts.com.au
Opening Hours
Wednesday to Saturday 11am - 4pm
Please note our galleries are closed on all Victorian public holidays and in between exhibitions.
Please review our exhibition dates before visiting.
The Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands where our office is located, and all Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and Australia. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enduring traditions and continuing creative cultures. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
We are an LGBTQIA+ friendly organisation that celebrates diversity. We are committed to providing safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive services for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
