How do we interpret meaning in art?
Sarah Lewis, Public Program Coordinator talks about Broken Model by Darren Sylvester, a thought-provoking photograph in the City Collection.
‘My job here is to interpret art into social experiences; in the hope that we can use art to find meaning and connection with the world around us. The trouble with this photograph though; it looks like it is a social experience that has been turned into art – or is it?
‘I can see a fallen model has trickled from her silvery stilettos onto the bottom of the stairs. This glittery star has fallen during a fashion show. The frozen concern of her confused rescuer captured in a moment by the Australian artist Darren Sylvester. But what makes this art?
‘Isn’t this just a paparazzi shot – something that could be in a page three of New Idea or Woman’s Day?
‘But how does it blur the boundaries of reality and fiction?
‘Spoiler alert: This seemingly candid photographed moment is a complete fabrication created by the artist. Broken Model re-enacts a real moment in time that was also fabricated. The shock of the fall was a hoax, designed by Jean -Paul Gautier for comedic effect during his final runway show.
‘The re-enactment here uses the theatrics of the hoax for artistic effect – he didn’t tell the model, hired to “rescue” her.
‘Her shock is real, but the scenario is not. Is this how we now live?’
Image credit:
Darren Sylvester, Broken Model, 2016. Lightjet print Collection, Gallery at HOTA. Acquired from the Josephine Ulrick & Win Schubert Photography Award 2017. Image courtesy of the artist and Sullivan+Strumpf.