Barely Wearable

This body of work is a continuation of Ruth Downes’ passion for reappropriating everyday materials and objects to celebrate their intrinsic beauty. Materials for these thirty ‘wearable’ artworks have been gleaned from a diverse range of sources – from aircraft headsets to coffee capsules. Detritus from nature has also been salvaged to be re-born as a fashion statement.

By reimagining these materials she has created works that transcend their utilitarian function, casting them in a fresh light. The works question our accepted values and how we award status by projecting these everyday materials into the realm of art. They have a preciousness that confounds our expectations irrespective of their humble origins. This is much more than a simple ‘up-cycling’ exercise - Downes has an acute awareness of the potential of these materials. Her trademark humour also runs as a thread throughout the exhibition adding a further dimension.

These 3D works are mounted on a spectrum of coloured ellipses (350 – 750mm high) with several ‘busting out’ on mounted body forms. All works are augmented by photo portraits of models (of varying sizes and gender) attempting to make them wearable. An e-catalogue showing all the artworks can be viewed HERE. 

Barely Wearable has already toured to regional galleries in the following towns and cities: Taree, NSW; Huskisson, NSW; Gympie, QLD; Chinchilla, QLD, Hurstville, NSW; Manly, NSW

Venue dates are booked as follows - however please contact the artist to discuss availability:

• 18 July - 29 October 2023, CS Gallery, Caroline Springs, Melbourne VIC
• 1 November 2023 - 28 January 2024, Peppin Heritage Centre, Deniliquin NSW
• 15 March - 9 June 2024, Bribie Island Seaside Museum, Bongaree QLD