The Birdcage: A canvas for creativity

THE GALLERY & THE COLLECTIVE: FAÇADE

Mikaela Stafford: Entrusted with the marquee facades, Stafford’s work, ‘Energy Never Dies It Just Changes Shape’, captivated viewers through motion graphics and biomorphic sculptures. Inspired by bioluminescent organisms and the optimism of a cyber-physical world, Stafford’s innovative pieces invite guests to reflect on the beauty of nature and the potential of technology intertwined.

THE GALLERY: LOWER A

Steven John Clark: Through his brand, Denholm, Clark showcased furniture and art that blend nostalgia with a contemporary edge. From whimsical limestone pieces to bold, ‘80s-inspired chrome designs, his work brings a playful, yet sophisticated aesthetic.

THE GALLERY: LOWER B

James Geurts: Geurts’ conceptual installations explore the intersection of cultural and natural forces. His thought-provoking works challenge perceptions, encouraging viewers to reflect on the complexities of our environment.

THE GALLERY: UPPER

Shahn Stewart: Representing Alchemy Orange, Stewart redefined floral artistry with botanical sculptures made from native materials like gum leaves and grasses. The work emphasises sustainability and a deep connection to Country, and enriched The Birdcage with organic elegance.

Kate Ballis & Tom Blachford: This photography duo presented ‘Influorescence’, a series of ultra-violet illuminated large-scale flower photographs inspired by their garden. The vibrant pieces celebrate the intricate details of nature, drawing guests into an enchanting experience.

Sarah Parkes of Smalltown: Parkes modernised traditional macramé through contemporary knotted works, crafted from salvaged materials like silage wrap and hay bale netting. Her installations, both delicate and strong, added tactile beauty and timeless craftsmanship to the creative atmosphere.

THE COLLECTIVE

THE COLLECTIVE: INTERIOR

Emma Davies: Known for her inventive use of everyday materials, Davies transforms the ordinary into beautiful, unexpected art. In The Collective, her pieces incorporated items like bird netting, baler twine, and acrylic paint, pushing boundaries and reimagining discarded materials.

Tantri Mustika: Mustika’s ceramics celebrate colour, texture, and her Balinese heritage, with pieces telling stories of personal journeys and cultural influences. Her ‘It's Already Written in the Stars’ series uses hand-stained and marbled clays to evoke the beauty of natural stones, while ‘The Relics Collection’ offers a modern take on ancient artifacts, bridging past and present.

Ash Keating: Bringing a dynamic edge, Keating exhibited large-scale murals. Known for his works in institutions such as the National Gallery of Victoria and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Keating presented pieces from his ‘Ice Floes Response’ series in The Collective, employing techniques like sanding, brushing, scrubbing, and hosing to honour Monet’s exploratory style.