New Skin 1 by Simone Eisler.
Simone Eisler’s cross-disciplinary practice explores the relationship between the human body and nature, particularly the concepts of physical transformation, sexuality, species evolution and biodiversity. New Skin/ Old Ceremony draws together a new series of sculptures and a selection of works from two photographic series, Night Vision and New Skin. Eisler plays with the notion of death and reanimation in a life affirming ceremony engaging both object and image. The sculptures literally bristle with new skins of sea shells, metal, fish skins and other natural materials. No longer prized trophies these encrusted animal skulls have a lingering sense of past life and are transformed into an armoured and bejewelled squadron at the ready. The skins of salmon are formed into head gear and masks, accoutrements for a kind of shape shifting and anamorphism. The works are both beautiful and dangerous, doll like and embalmed.
The performative photographic works encompass the sculptures, playing with ritual and the clichés of pose and display as the body merges with the darkness and masquerading objects. The Night Vision images come from a powerful series that explores a primal and sexual thread that links humans to animals and develops the possibility of a new kind of exoskeleton for a more highly sensitised being. New Skins is located in the shallow space of fashion and iconography mixing a classicism of form with a doll like effigiation. These are troubling images, images that undermine the drive towards anthropomorphism and speak of reconnection with the animal and a pantheistic reverence for nature.
BIO
Simone Eisler’s art practice explores the complex relationship between nature and the human body through a diverse range of media. Having completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts in Sculpture at Queensland College of Art, Eisler has broadened her practice to include performative photography, video, sound and installation. She has an extensive exhibition profile both in Australia and internationally including works selected for 2009 Arc Biennale of Art and Launch: Clayton Utz Art Award. Eisler’s practice has extended to include public art commissions from a variety of private, local and state government clients across Australia. These works respond to site-specific interior and natural environments such as Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Sandgate Foreshore Parklands, Rocks Riverside Park and Federation Park, Toowoomba. Eisler was presented with a Highly Commended Award for her work 'New Skin (Detail 2 - Accoutrement)' in the Churchie National Emerging Art Prize, 2011.
