Large-scale assemblages, installations and collages made of maps allude to Nien Schwarz's experiences of working alongside geoscientists and living a nomadic field camp existence. The physical labour of negotiating unfamiliar terrain, collecting samples, securing sufficient food supplies and ritually assembling and collapsing space-saving gear, informs part of her practice.
2006 marks 26 years of fieldwork experience. Half of these have taken place in arctic Canada, and the other half in outback Australia. ,I>Over My Shoulder is part reverence for the humbling experiences of immersing oneself in bush environments, and part lament over increasingly widespread destruction of natural habitats to fuel a misguided world economy.
Free artist's floortalk Thursday 23 November, 1pm. Free exhibition publication available from PICA during the exhibition.
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