Arthur Dimitriou
Hostile
9 - 27 November 2022
G2
Opening Night
Friday 11 November | 6pm – 8pm
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Hostile explores the superficiality within the societal hierarchies that have formed within Western consumerist culture. Particularly noticeable within developed cities, capitalist expansion is valued over the condition of natural landscapes and positions those of privilege over individuals attempting to survive within this physically and socially inimical environment. Specifically, Arthur Dimitriou offers a conversation that arises from the defensive architecture that dictates whom and what may inhabit ‘public’ streets. Often depicted as places of opportunity and freedom, these works offer a snapshot into the true elitism built into the very framework of many urban environments.
Through manipulating aluminium, reinforced bars and an array of other crude materials regularly found within municipalities, the collection stipulates the obnoxiously obvious yet unspoken paradox that encapsulates that which houses so many of us. While each piece honours the mediums used to create them, the works appear uninviting and confrontational. The sculptures mimicking common architectural forms that people will regularly interact with such as mirrors or park benches are cocooned in metal spikes, or sporting sharp corners too harsh to touch and composed to prevent any of the usual engagement and functionality.
The irony of the installation exists through the adoption of easily accessible materials to shape forms that can only be utilized by those who can access protective equipment. That which should be used to create communal infrastructure such as shelter, transportation, and eco-passages relied upon by humans and animals alike, exists only for the benefit of those who created them. Arthur Dimitriou encourages audiences to consider how we may make the spaces we live in to be more inclusive and provide sanctuary to vulnerable people and species within.
About the Artist
Arthur Dimitrou’s practice derives from both natural and urban ecosystems and is inspired by interactions that co- exist between the two. Concentrating on the perpetual conversation that results from the shifting reciprocity that occurs as we alter surrounding environments, each installation explores a new consequence that results from the concertina of changes created from such intercessions. In isolation within the gallery space, the work can be appreciated for that which it strives to convey.
Working with both organic and industrial materials, he focuses on mediums that incite multiple interpretations of the work rather than binding it to a singular idea. Experimentation, melding both natural and human medium, encourages an investigation into materiality and the dialogue it creates between living and non-living spheres.
Follow more of Arthur’s work on his website: arthurdimitriou.com
Contact
Phone : (03) 9482 3550
mail@redgallery.com.au
Address
157 St Georges Rd
Fitzroy North, Victoria, 3068
Map
How to get here
Tram: route 11
Stop 21 just north of Edinburgh Gardens
Melway ref: 30B12
Parking in nearby streets
Bus: 504 (Reid Street)
