FINDING an angle for discussing installation artist Adriana Stadler’s work is easier said than done.
The Switzerland-based artist has a long-held fascination with circles and spheres and her latest project is an ambitious interaction with a favourite Footscray space.
As the 2012 international artist-in-residence at Footscray Community Arts Centre, Stadler has begun working on her grand-scale installation, Sphere — shifting into movement.
“It is speaking with the intellect and with feeling. It is not angles, it is not pointed; it is more continuous, soft,” the artist says.
Her design has the artwork sprawling across two floors of the arts centre’s Henderson House, covering floor, walls and ceiling of the entire building. Stadler encourages visitors to talk with her as she creates the work and to engage with the piece as it unfolds.
“You have this experience; there is intellectual work you have to do and I think that leaves something behind.”
Stadler says she has discovered an affinity with Aboriginal dot-painting during her visit.
She hopes to return to Footscray with the rest of her group, Pol5 — five women artists who undertake collective art projects in Switzerland and abroad. Pol5 works with local communities in mediums, including sound, sculpture, visual elements and video.
Sphere is at the Footscray Arts Centre until October 10.
Stadler will give a free talk about her life and work in the Gabrielle Gallery at Footscray Community Arts Centre at 2pm this Saturday.
