Unhinged

3 November 2015

Have you ever considered what the physical manifestation of domestic power might look like? Artist Susan Mabin is showing the world her interpretation in her new exhibition at Taupo Museum.

Unhinged is an exhibition that Mabin said reflects her personal experiences of domestic power structures. The name comes from both the idea of a hinge in domestic objects as well as the idea of becoming unhinged psychologically. There are many levels to the word unhinged including the idea that the work itself may unhinge' previously conceived ideas and challenge the viewer in unexpected ways, she said.

She uses diverse materials to explore the subject, including found objects, building materials and readymade elements such as tables and chairs. These become metaphors for the mental and physical spaces of domestic instensity, she explained. I believe the objects I find and use carry echoes of their past lives which are then carried over into the new.

Mabin said the gathering and storing of these objects were an important part of the creative process for her. I am often surprised as the materials come together how the resulting work ends up saying more than I ever imagined it could, she said.

She said the art work was autobiographical, and she had a story she needed to make sense of. Some of the work was painful and challenging to create, but it was important to explore the issue of domestic abuse, be it emotional, psychological or physical, and put it in the public arena. I wanted to raise awareness of a subject that is rarely talked about, that is often hidden behind the thin veneer of home' but is a significant problem facing our society today, she said. The hidden becomes visible. With visibility there is hope for change.

During the exhibition, Mabin will also be giving a talk on her recent trip to Iceland. She travelled to the small town of Olafsjordur for an artist residency, which saw her creating art in a new and unique environment. She said the experience was a challenge, personally, physically and artistically. Mabin will give the talk at 11am on November 7 at the museum.

About 40 works will be on display for the exhibition, which opens November 7 and runs until December 14. The museum is open seven days from 10am to 4.30pm. Entry is free to children and Taupo District residents with proof of address.

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Taupo District Council

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