Guardian of the Southern Convergence - the film
Guardian of the Southern Convergence is the second entry which Liz Powell and Dr Denise N Rall have collaborated on for paper on skin. In 2016 they joined with Kath Wilkinson to create Tahuna: Ocean Navigator, a piece which won the paper on skin Betta Milk Major Award of $5000 that year and was purchased by the Burnie Regional Art Gallery for their collection.
Liz is a mixed media fibre artist often using paper as a starting point. Her work relies on the development of concept and form together, and she spends considerable time researching and evolving ideas before commencing a work or series. Denise has a strong interest in costume and textiles and works mostly in wearable art.
In developing the concept of Guardian of the Southern Convergence, the background research undertaken by the artists is evident. The Guardian’s role is to protect the Southern Convergence – the constant current which encircles Antarctica and is the boundary of this unique ecosystem. The powerful entity is best defined here in the artist’s own words: She rises from the depths of the sea to guard and defend the Southern Convergence – Her fisherman-style pants drip with outlines of diatoms and skeletons of sea creatures embroidered with beads to catch the light as she emerges from the Southern Ocean. Her greatcoat cape is splintered and layered with streaks of whites and blues, light and shadow referencing Antarctic icebergs and shafts of sunlight penetrating icy water. Glimpses of silver beads and sequins sparkle in reflected light that radiates from both ice and ocean. She is ready to defend that unique environment.
The Concept and Design Brief (see button below), provides more detail about the Southern Convergence and the techniques and materials used in the piece.
Also see our WINNERS page