EMBEDDED WITH CRAIG WALSH AT THE MCA

By Benjamen Judd

In our bid to consistently better ourselves and make sure our guests and friends remain culturally aware, we are always on the lookout for exhibitions that are going to challenge our thinking and broaden our perspectives. So we’re going to tell you that you need to go see the latest collection of work from Australian artist, Craig Walsh.

Titled Embedded, the project developed out of a commission from Rio Tinto, which enabled Walsh to spend time in the Pilbara, where iron ore is mined. He worked with Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (the traditional custodians of the Pilbara’s Burrup Peninsula), Murujuga National Park rangers, and Rio Tinto staff, developing two spectacular moving-image works and a series of photographic portraits. The works reflect on the connection the local Aboriginal people have to their country, particularly its extraordinary historic rock art.

While everyone in Australia is touched by mining, few know what iron ore looks like. So, into his show, Walsh adds twenty-one industrial bins, brimming with it. Bringing the landscape inside, he turns the gallery into an obstacle course, a labyrinth. Visitors, themselves, will feel embedded.

Embedded by Craig Walsh is currently on display at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art located in Circular Quay and will run until November 24. Admission is free.

To learn more about Craig Walsh, head to his website here.