Smoke & Mirrors: Simon Maberley

SMOKE &
MIRRORS
SIMON MABERLEY
7 OCTOBER TO 17 NOVEMBER 2020

2 | SMOKE & MIRRORS| 7 OCTOBER TO 17 NOVEMBER, 2020

Held at a time when the growing effects of
economic crisis are intersecting with an urgent
ecological crisis, this exhibition offers the
opportunity to rethink the relationship between
social constructs and the environment.
Based on the south coast of New South Wales, artist
Simon Maberley investigates contrasting themes such
as technology and climate, industry and nature and
human and animal. His highly narrative artworks critique
the way contemporary culture engages and deals with
challenges.
In early 2020 much of the New South Wales coastline
was devastated by bushfires. Living through this
catastrophic series of events was unforgettable for most
people who experienced it. In response, Maberley has
produced a body of work which attempts to convey the
effects on land and community. He is asking us to reflect
on the feelings we experience after such dramatic events
and to remember that from the loss comes renewal.
This thought-provoking work takes the form of supersized,
highly polished coins, although the monetary value
has been removed. This changes our focus away from
economics to the beauty and resilience of the animals
who remain. These works ask us to think about the things
that matter and how we as individuals can help to make
positive change. The viewer is invited to experiences
each work. No longer a flat empty surface, they become
a vessel that contains our entire immediate world, giving
back a distinct image of ourselves within this new world.
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Simon Maberley
Tachyglossa
2020
mirror, coat dust
edition of two
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Simon Maberley
Macropus and Dromaius
2020
mirror, coal dust
edition of two
Simon Maberley
Acrobates
2020
mirror, coal dust
edition of two
5 | SMOKE & MIRRORS| 7 OCTOBER TO 17 NOVEMBER, 2020

Simon Maberley
Ornithorhynchus
2020
mirror, coal dust
edition of two
Simon Maberley
Chlamydosaurus
2020
mirror, coal dust
edition of two
6 | SMOKE & MIRRORS| 7 OCTOBER TO 17 NOVEMBER, 2020

Simon Maberley
Macropodiade
2020
mirror, coal dust
edition of two
Simon Maberley
Menura
2020
mirror, coal dust
edition of two
7 | SMOKE & MIRRORS| 7 OCTOBER TO 17 NOVEMBER, 2020

Simon MABERLEY
Ficus macrophylla
2020
glass, wood
Simon Maberley
Eucalyptus obliqua
2020
glass, wood
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Simon Maberley
Acacia cambagei
2020
glass, wood
Simon Maberley
Podocarpus lawrenci
2020
glass, wood
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Simon Maberley
Epicinium
2020
ground mirror, wooden frame, coal, blown glass, video
Many thanks to Will Bartram for the video footage used in this installation
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Exhibition partners
Canberra Glassworks is supported by the ACT Government through artsACT and the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the traditional owners of the ACT region, on whose lands we live and work and
where the Canberra Glassworks stands. We pay respects to their Ancestors, Elders, leaders and artists past and present, and recognise their
ongoing connections to Culture and Country. We also extend our acknowledgement to all First Nations peoples.
Maberley acknowledges the local Indigenous communities of the Dharawal and Wodi Wodi people of the Illawarra and Jerrinja of the
Shoalhaven where he lives and works. As well as the Bidawal and Gunnaikurnai people whos’ land features in the film work Epicinium.
Cover image:
Simon Maberley, Menura (edition of 2), 2020,
mirror and coal dust.
Courtsey of the artist
Photography by Brenton McGeachie
11 | SMOKE & MIRRORS| 7 OCTOBER TO 17 NOVEMBER, 2020

canberraglassworks.com
11 Wentworth Ave, Kingston ACT 2604
T 02 6260 7005
E contactus@canberraglassworks.com
opening hours
Wed to Sun 10am to 4pm