Nancy Stilianos: All the Pretty Things

Overview

Your wallet is empty but your wardrobe and shelves are filled with nice-looking stuff: it's the epitome of a #firstworldproblem. You're probably not used to thinking much more about it, but Nancy Stilianos is. She has even created an entire art show on the topic.

All the Pretty Things ponders the effects of overconsumption, while also presenting an ongoing search for remedies to our spend-happy society. And yes, to make her point, Stilianos does use attractive objects — but that's just the beginning, of course.

First, she studied mass-produced decorative items and was inspired to create homegrown and handmade alternatives. Then, she realised that stuff has a life beyond its obvious use, and drew upon that discovery to get creative. Next came a contemplation of richness, complexity and diversity, both of the objects and within society. In Stilianos's hands, pretty things become much, much more than the obvious.

Join the opening night event on Friday, June 26, from 6–8pm.