When Jola and Phil first talked with Electrolux reps regarding an exhibition using the factory as inspiration for artworks, they didn't imagine the amazing results that would happen. Everyone was enthusiastic and took their time to fully consider how best to represent the materials as 'ART'
The results have left many of the attending audience bemused, amused and surpirsed. Indeed, one fellow told us that "CCChas some terrific artists who have shown just how creative minds can utilise otherwise useless materials and turn them into something special and new."
The exhibition is now over, but everyone who attended, and there were many have expressed how good this show has been.
So for others to share in this, we provide some photos of the show here.
Liam Dunne with his production graph inspired table leg.
Joy and Bev look through Fayah's looking glass of mosaic
Lanny MacKenzie takes packing strap and other assorted materials and turns them into objects of desire.
From factory floor to basket! Another work by Lanny
Paintings of factory life, painted fridge doors and sculptures were just some of the techniques featured in the show.
Fayah's manipulated images above and below, modern and inspired.
Lanny displays her talents in a number of woven works.
Painting by Ikuko Fujisawa "Interface', the point between danger and safety
Aileen's fun factory in a vegetable cooler
Phil turns factory detritis into amazing lights
Copper and metal sculpture by Natalie Reid
A work by Denis Bradley
and another by Wanda Driscoll
This has been a lot of hard work by a number of dedicated artists to help celebrate 70 years of an integral part of Orange life, the Electrolux factory now due for closure and the loss of many jobs and training areas. So many people have had jobs in this factory over the years and it is a sad day to see it go but unfortunately, it is the way of the world now as people are replaced by robotics.
One does wonder where we go from here...... personally, I feel that we need to return to valuing the handiwork and craftsmanship of local people once more and rebuild a community on valuing each other.