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. Some works are augmented by photo portraits of models (of varying sizes and gender) attempting to make them wearable. 

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

• 12 March- 26 April 2020, Manning Regional Art Gallery, Taree NSW
• 10 August - 23 November 2020, Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, Huskisson NSW
• 17 February - 10 April 2021, Gympie Regional Gallery, Gympie QLD
• 16 April - 26 May 2021, Lapunyah Art Gallery, Chinchilla QLD
• 23 July - 5 September 2021, Manly Art Gallery and Museum, Sydney NSW
• 4 February - 1 May 2022, Hurstville Museum and Gallery, Sydney NSW
• 24 June - 10 September 2023, Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland NSW