Articulation: Exploring Language, Object, & Space

About the Project

Articulation: Language, Object, Space Immerses in a captivating exploration of the intersections between language, object, and space. Conceived by dynamic collective of artists and designers based in Australia, this exhibition delves into the profound connections that exist within various creative fields, including writing, furniture design, lighting, object creation, and rug design.

At the core of this exhibition lies the exploration of three ancient Greek concepts: ‘Logos,’ ‘Graphe,’ and ‘Rhema.’ These concepts, deeply rooted in the history of language, form the thematic foundation of the exhibition and provide distinct sections that contribute to a comprehensive dialogue between the tangible and intangible, the spoken and silent, the abstract and concrete. The choice of these Greek concepts holds great significance. Greek, as one of the earliest recorded languages in human history, provides a rich and enduring foundation for the exploration of language and its impact on culture, society, and politics. ‘Logos’ represents the power of the uttered word, ‘Graphe’ delves into the world of the written or codified word, and ‘Rhema’ invites exploration into the realm of the revelatory word.

These concepts not only capture the multifaceted nature of language but also offer a historical lens through which to unravel the intricate relationship between language and its influence on understanding the world. By delving into the historical context of these concepts, the exhibition sheds light on the profound ways in which language shapes cultural, social, and political dimensions. Through a careful examination of language within the context of space and objects, the exhibition provokes contemplation and insight into the broader implications of communication and expression. Through the lens of ‘Logos,’ the exhibition explores the power of the spoken word, engaging with sound, vibration, and the tangible manifestations of language.’Graphe’ delves into the realm of the written word, integrating codified language into spatial design, object creation, and rug design, bringing abstract concepts to life in innovative ways. Finally, ‘Rhema’ transcends language itself, inviting a contemplative space that sparks introspection, transformation, and deeper understanding of the relationship with language, object, and space.

By drawing from the ancient Greek concepts of ‘Logos,’ ‘Graphe,’ and ‘Rhema,’ the exhibition not only pays homage to the historical significance of language but also aims to stimulate dialogue and reflection on the enduring impact of language on lives. It serves as a reminder of the power of words to shape perceptions, forge connections, and explore the profound relationship between language, object, and space. Welcome to “Articulation: Language, Object, Space,” a journey that transcends time, delves into the depths of human expression, and invites consideration of the intricate threads that weave language, object, and space into the tapestry of our shared human experience.

Curated by Caroline Austin, Christopher de Waal McKenzie and Roz de Waal McKenzie

The exhibition begins with an exploration of ‘Logos’—the spoken word. Here, artworks and designs engage with sound, vibration, and the tangible and intangible manifestations of uttered words.
These pieces challenge traditional boundaries of aesthetics, presenting unique sensory experiences and new perspectives on form and function. In this theme, we explore how speech and the act of speaking bridge the gap between thought and expression.
Utterances, whether screams or whispers, carry ambiguity and convey emotions into the world. The body becomes the tool through which understanding is conveyed,with words acting as windows into deeper meanings.
Poetry plays within this system, utilizing vowels and spoken rituals to bind us with their weight and power.
Speaking is more than just sounds and air; it is the embodiment of our innermost expressions.
Delving into the world of the written word, ‘Graphe’ explores the collective uses of language as a medium. Designs here integrate codified words into spatial design, object creation, bringing abstract concepts to life in unique ways.
The written word stands as a tangible medium, adorned with grammar and structure. This theme examines how written forms, shapes, and adornments operate in intangible ways, lending themselves to meditation and contemplation. Writing translates thought but also imposes limits, transforming ideas into objects of wonder.
We invite you to ponder the depth of meaning within written language-
What it seeks to accomplish and its essential components. Reflect on the notion that writing, as Cormac O’Connor suggests, might kill the original thought, yet it opens a new realm of exploration.
The exhibition moves to ‘Rhema,’ the realm of the revelatory word.
Artworks and designs here move beyond language, inviting the viewer into a contemplative space.These pieces spark transformation, introspection, and a deeper understanding of our relationship with language,objects, and space. Language possesses the power to transform, as seen even in the evolution of the word.
Our goal is to evoke a rhema movement within the exhibition, unveiling aspects that transcend spoken words and gestures. In this theme, we highlight apophatic elements that allude to language or non-speech, the gaps and revelatory moments found in failures and fissures. We gesture toward what lies beyond the visible and the spoken, aiming to surpass the boundaries of body and language. This theme seeks to rupture conventional language, inviting revelations that go beyond mere words, touching the spiritual and the ineffable.