This artwork is an exemplar for creativity harnessed for pernicious purposes. Nearly all technological developments are initiated for the purpose of war, whether it is the "can" for troop supplies or the "mobile" phone for communications.
It is wise to consider the balance between an earthy informed luddite position and an awareness of the osmotic influence of technologies and alluring effect of media. For example: in 1795, Napoleon offered 12,000 francs to anyone who could devise a way of preserving food for his army and navy. This provided the stimulus and resources for technological development and military superiority. In 1810, the can was conceived.
Matt Dabrowski is an independent contemporary visual artist, best known for producing large-scale collaborative projects and site-specific installations under the name 'Matt Dabrowski and the Many Hands of Glamour'. The spectacular absurdity of consumer fetishism to cosmic existential notions are common themes conveyed with a poetic, idiosyncratic and surreal aesthetic. Favouring satire, humour and irony, the predominant motivation behind Dabrowski's practice is to subvert popular beliefs that dispossess us from meaningful experience, fellowship and social connectedness. Matt has studied Chinese Medicine, is a student of Medieval Astrology and recently completed a Masters at Q.C.A., Griffith University.
full 375mL aluminium soft drink can shot by a 0.224" rifle
14.5 x 13 cm
Special Mention; Finalist
Judges of the 2015 Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize: Dr Michael Brand (Director of the Art Gallery of NSW), Penelope Seidler AM (Arts Patron and Director of Harry Seidler & Associates) and Barbara Flynn (International Curatorial Advisor).