Wollongong Botanical Garden exhibits work by Estonian artists Virge Nielsen and Leen Rampe
Austraalia
1-30 April 2025
The ‘Community Nesting’ sculpture by Estonian artists Virge Nielsen and Leen Rampe highlights community bonds and the plight of endangered birds, to provoke reflection on urban sprawl’s environmental impact.
The artists used buff terracotta clay for building the miniature houses for ‘Community Nesting’ as its texture and colour is reminiscent of gingerbread houses – so much cherished by those of us from northern hemisphere for whom it symbolises the atmosphere of childhood fairytales. The biscuit-like material and decorative finishing of the sculptures juxtaposes the permanence that a family home conveys to us (humans) and the fragility of edible ephemeral treats that symbolise the delicate homes of native birds. The contrast in scale between small model houses compared to the giant dead tree trunk where they are nested in an organic mushroom-like attachment patterns is humbling, pointing out the power of nature compared to man.
Sculpture In The Garden exhibition is open for viewing for the whole month 1-30 April 2025 at the Wollongong Botanical Garden. There are artist-led workshops and tours for both children and adults. An artist walk and talk that includes the work by Virge and Leen takes place Saturday 12 April, starting at 11 AM. Come and see for yourself!
More information on the Wollongong Botanical Gardens exhibition “Sculpture In The Garden” can be found here
Toimuvad ka kunstnike juhendatud kunstituurid ja õpitoad nii suurtele kui väikestele kunstihuvilistele. Virge ja Leenu installatsiooni giiditutvustus toimub 12. aprillil algusega kell 11 Wollongongi Botaanikaaias – tulge vaatama!
