Spare Parts brings together a diverse range of artists who each use pre-loved prosthetics as their canvas
Tues 20 August to
Sun 15 September
Opening Night
21st August 6-9pm
Brisbane Powerhouse
Anke Catesby barek Bec Peart and Martin Pedder of Blackbird’s Emporium Benjamin Werner Clarissa Bones for Raw Bones Elisa Jane Carmichael Erica Gray Josh Rufford Kerri Hobba and Rachael Waith
Curator of this exhibition, Queensland amputee, Priscilla Sutton, started working on a fun creative project back in 2010. It started by Priscilla recycling her own old prosthetic legs she had tucked away in the cupboard, and then she collected others from all over Australia, America and Laos, and the result was a very popular exhibition at the Brisbane Powerhouse that year, followed by another successful exhibition in London during the 2012 Paralympics.
The 2013 Spare Parts exhibition (Brisbane Powerhouse, August 20 – September 15) aims not only to recycle pre-loved arms and legs into new and exciting artworks but also to create an open and positive conversation, celebrating prosthetics and how much can be achieved by using them.
These successes include:
- the community development and pride generated for amputees;
- the therapeutic value for families of amputees who have donated prosthetics from loved ones who have passed on;
- education for the general community;
- and incredible media support (from Frankie magazine and Channel 10’s The Project, to the BCC, even prime time news in Russia).
Among the special guests at the London exhibition was Australia’s Governor General Quentin Bryce (who had a private viewing) and Senators Kate Lundy and Jan McLucas. The exhibition was a “must see” for Londoners and visitors alike during the Paralympics, with an endless stream of visitors every day.
The concept of Spare Parts continues to grow and Priscilla has put some existing limb donations to extra good use, creating this small project that gives back to the amputee community.
There will be 10 artworks on display and available for purchase for a flat price of $200 each. All profits will be donated to Priscilla’s favourite prosthetic charity, COPE.
The sale of each piece of artwork in this exhibition will purchase at least three new prosthetic legs for amputees in Laos.
Priscilla has been an amputee since 2005, when she had elective surgery to remove a worsening bone condition. Since then she has worn a below knee prosthetic leg and her lifestyle is healthy and active.
Priscilla currently wears a prosthetic leg decorated with artwork by Mark Ryden, an American painter known as the “god-father of pop surrealism”.
When not collecting spare parts, Priscilla is the Business Development Manager for the Cobb+Co Museum in Toowoomba.
For more information on Spare Parts please contact us.