Chaco Kato, an artist from Melbourne [look here http://www.chacokato.com/] created a textile sculpture at the Cassilis cemetery that was visited by local people and some from further afield at a breakfast in a celebration of fruit and connections. Many local people from Swifts Creek and Cassilis attended the sculpture during the time it was on display. Some of those returned several times even after attending the breakfast and brought their friends and family.
Gathering of people who appreciate art and the curious |
The sculpture, the way I understood it, as explained by Chaco, was to highlight connection between those who had gone before and those here now, and the old apple tree, estimated to be 100 years since being planted, projected the sculpture from it to connect with some of the other trees in the cemetery.
The apple tree being part of the (f)route theme which was an idea to tie the community and other communities together if possible, in a tangible way. Fruit being grown, eaten and enjoyed in some way by just about everyone.
There were many individual interpretations which is as it should be when any art is displayed. These mixed reviews demonstrate that the sculpture was “good” art. Art should never be a compromise to please everyone or even the majority, but rather something that takes people out of their comfort zone and has most people talking about it, otherwise it fails somewhat. Art like wine is to be tested, tried and each individual investigate the impact it has on them.
A good morning was had by all. |
So all in all the textile sculpture was a success and enjoyed by everyone, those who didn't take to it because they could discuss it, the ones who liked it to enjoy and even defend it. The indifferent wondering for just a moment what it was all about before moving on. Probably not even realising that it delivered an experience that broadened them by making them think and make a judgement. It's all good.
So it was, an opportunity for people to get together and enjoy the morning, some fine fruit and discuss something that brought them all together for various reasons in a beautiful spot in it's own right. We live and learn all the time.