Social Distancing (2021)
Giclée print. Edition of 3
Whitewall Art Prize Finalist 2021, Gosford Art Prize Finalist 2021
Social Distancing, a previously unheard-of phrase, has become ubiquitous with the Covid-19 pandemic. The black cat emerges from the shadows and crouches forebodingly over the lifeless bird, a black cross on the table a reminder of social distancing requirements. The dark, muted tones of the work echo the sombre reality of life in a pandemic.
The black cat, long associated with danger or death, stalks the bird. The native Noisy Miner bird, widely regarded as a pest in Australia, lies inert, its head drooping over the precipice of the table. Invoking religious symbolism, the mark of a cross on the ground has become a constant reminder of the need to maintain a safe distance from others. Amid the pandemic, these crosses became a symbol of safety, protecting us from death and the pestilence. While the Noisy Miner can represent pestilence, it also represents innocence and lives lost. As the cat violates the social contract of the cross on the floor, the bird becomes closer to death.
Filled with tension, this work channels the delicate balancing act and the increased mental stress brought about by the pandemic.
No animals were harmed in the making of this work. The artist has Department of Environment and Science collection authority to collect deceased wildlife.