Lit from above: on not being able to visit Damon Moon’s exhibition in the Sinclair Gallery
Is not the Sinclair Gallery one of the most sublime small galleries? Consider its almost domestic proportions (save for the ceiling height), its stylish Art Deco footprint but mostly, its glass-paneled ceiling illuminating the space. So tuned are we to the slightest changes in light, that it is quite a wonderful experience viewing art under natural light. Slight changes in the sky dramatically alter this 'lightbox', shifting how we feel and how we see the artwork. In using a very limited palette, Moon’s objects take up the changing shadows cast through the space and across the day. Indeed, the changing light challenges making a consistent set of installation photographs, as you may note in the images here.
Contemporary ceramicist Damon Moon visited CAM late last year to discuss his forthcoming exhibition, Cast Recast: Damon Moon for the Sinclair. Moon spoke of his love of CAM’s Art Deco facade and ways he might create a new series of work for the space, whilst weaving throughout the language of historical Bendigo Pottery, where his studio is now based.
Lit from above: on not being able to visit Damon Moon’s exhibition in the Sinclair Gallery
Is not the Sinclair Gallery one of the most sublime small galleries? Consider its almost domestic proportions (save for the ceiling height), its stylish Art Deco footprint but mostly, its glass-paneled ceiling illuminating the space. So tuned are we to the slightest changes in light, that it is quite a wonderful experience viewing art under natural light. Slight changes in the sky dramatically alter this 'lightbox', shifting how we feel and how we see the artwork. In using a very limited palette, Moon’s objects take up the changing shadows cast through the space and across the day. Indeed, the changing light challenges making a consistent set of installation photographs, as you may note in the images here.
Contemporary ceramicist Damon Moon visited CAM late last year to discuss his forthcoming exhibition, Cast Recast: Damon Moon for the Sinclair. Moon spoke of his love of CAM’s Art Deco facade and ways he might create a new series of work for the space, whilst weaving throughout the language of historical Bendigo Pottery, where his studio is now based.
Moon has created an installation of breathtaking beauty and lightness of touch. The exhibition is a meditation on repetition, which emphasises the ethereal qualities of the Sinclair. Along the north wall sits a long slender shelf at eye height, with a series of simple vases cast from a traditional Bendigo Pottery mould and which miraculously vary in tone. Surprisingly, at one end, a vase appears to bend and leap from the shelf. A sconce, reminiscent of an Art Deco mask, looks down upon the viewer.
A series of higher than usual plinths stand against the west wall like funereal Egyptian sentinels, holding pairs of vases aloft. Their subtle variation in tone and negative space draws the viewer into the gallery. A golden vase high to the left dips its head, while a magnificent centerpiece sits on an octagonal plinth that echoes the gallery shape. Here, Moon has stacked two stark white sculptures cast from kitsch Bendigo moulds, possibly of similar vintage to the Sinclair. This luminous work, entitled Epergne (an ornamental centerpiece for a dining table) contrasts with the more simple forms exhibited. Embedded in this work is a quintessentially Australian conflict, between the Australiana of the upper form and the bucolic European scene below.
In Cast Recast Damon Moon gives this selection of quite ordinary domestic historical objects drawn from the Bendigo Pottery archive, a crisp and beautiful contemporary voice. He is both respectful and playful with them; knowing full well that installed in the Sinclair gallery they will glow and delight.
And then enter stage left: COVID-19. CAM is temporarily closed. I have often wondered if an exhibition only really exists when a visitor is standing there in person, engaging with the work. While CAM is closed, we will share with you images of the work in situ. When you return to CAM, we will take up public programs with this most articulate artist, including a special workshop conducted by Damon Moon at Bendigo Pottery.
Cast Recast is quietly posed for your return to the gallery, bathed by the gentle, changing daylight and moonlight.
Naomi Cass
April 2020
Damon Moon
A second-generation potter, over the last four decades Damon’s career in ceramics has spanned art, industry and commentary. He holds a PhD in art history and is one of Australia’s most prolific writers on ceramics with over sixty published catalogue essays, journal articles and book chapters. His work is held in several major collections and he exhibits widely. In addition he maintains a career in industry, involved with aspects of training and design. Currently Damon is Creative Director of CLAD, the Centre for Learning and Design at Bendigo Pottery in regional Victoria, Australia.
Naomi Cass is Director CAM Renewal.
Cast Recast: Damon Moon is presented in collaboration with Bendigo Pottery
We thank Christine Bell for her generous assistance, enabling CAM to share stories and reflections during social isolation.