Gia Mitchell

Gia Mitchell

The Rapture

14 October–18 November 200514 Oct–18 Nov 2005

Brisbane’s Gia Mitchell recreates the ceremonial site and paraphernalia of a fantasised coven in remote Western Queensland. The gallery space becomes the centre of a sacred compass circle of scorched earth. Images of women loom over the cardinal points: North, South, East, and West. A fan made from crow feathers, the burnt remnants of a crude musical instrument, an embroidered likeness of a noxious Madagascan weed, and the skin of a blue heeler—objects employed in The Way—are displayed with a nonchalance that contradicts their symbolic potency.

The Institute of Modern Art acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land upon which the IMA now stands, the Jagera, Yuggera, Yugarapul, and Turrbal people. We offer our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first artists of this country. In the spirit of allyship, the IMA will continue to work with First Nations people to celebrate, support, and present their immense past, present, and future contribution to artistic practice and cultural expression.

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