Jane Venis creates nonsensical multi-purpose devices and musical instruments which not only comment on our thirst for gadgets but also critique the design of arguably useless products and systems. She uses humour as an entry point to entice the viewer to access works that have multiple meanings. For the viewer, layers of understanding may be evoked through the choice of particular materials used in ironic and satirical works that highlight the absurdities of contemporary popular culture.

Materiality is not just a concern about the physical properties of the materials used to make an art work, it is deeply concerned with the histories and implications of the use of those particular materials. The concerns of materiality cannot be disassociated from those of critical theory, as specific materials are used to invite the viewer into a political dialogue with an artwork or object.

Jane will perform with some of her recently made instruments and present various satirical video snippets. She will also link key aspects of her research practice with some useful teaching and learning strategies.

Professor Jane Venis is an Academic Leader in the School of Design and a Postgraduate Supervisor at the Dunedin School of Art at Otago Polytechnic.Image: Paua Trip (2019): corrugated paua and possum fur baritone ukulele

Register by: Friday 16 August 2019

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