Gnomes have a complex history that reaches far beyond Disney cartoons; originating in medieval Europe, gnomes were closely associated with the science of alchemy and were the guardians of minerals and metals. The cute garden gnome is often overlooked as purely kitsch and decorative. The word gnome originates from the Greek gnosis, which means knowledge. I am interested in the trivial everyday aesthetic of the gnome in relation to its mystical and scientific history. It is both ridiculous and sublime.
Courtesy of Michael Reid Gallery
stainless steel, powder coated mild steel base
50 x 60 x 76 cm
Finalist
Judges of the 2006 Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize: Anthony Bond (Director Curatorial and Head Curator International at Art Gallery of NSW), Felicity Fenner (Curator at Ivan Doherty Gallery, NSW College of Fine Arts) and Professor Anne Graham (Chair of Fine Art at School of Fine Art, Drama and Music, University of Newcastle).
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