Rivermouth

Overview

If your favourite natural element is of the water-based variety, you'll be very happy to dip your toes into a captivating exhibition taking over the Monash University Museum of Art from Saturday, February 4–Saturday, April 1.

Assembling select works from the 23rd Biennale of Sydney showcase rīvus, new exhibition Rivermouth explores the deep connection water has with the land and the sky. It does so while spotlighting six local and international artists and participants — including the mighty Birrarung or Yarra River.

'Waterbirds: Migratory Sound Flow', 2022, Tania Candiani. Installation view, 'Rivermouth' at MUMA, 2023. Photo: Christian Capurro

Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Dave Wandin explores the latter with a work that demonstrates the importance of caring for Country, while an intricate piece by Tania Candiani features field recordings of migratory Australian birds.

Elsewhere, First Peoples' approach to celestial navigation is captured via a bamboo star-mapping work by Meriam artist Gail Mabo, Diana Scherer's woven grass-based creation literally grows in front of your eyes, Jessie French uses algae to make bioplastics, and you can see how Paula de Solminihac uses natural elements to completely transform fabric into masterpieces.

'Humus', 2019, Paula de Solminihac, 'Propeller', 2023, Jessie French, 'Entanglement', 2021–23, Diana Scherer and 'Old Gold', 2023, Jessie French. Installation view, 'Rivermouth' at MUMA, 2023. Photo: Christian Capurro

Top image: Foreground: Jessie French, 'The Myth of Nature–aga G1', 2021-2022. Courtesy of the artist & Anaïs Lellouche. Background: Cave Urban, 'Flow', 2022. Courtesy of the artists. 'Water ecosystem', 2019-2022. Courtesy of the artists & Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Lima. Installation view, 23rd Biennale of Sydney, 'rīvus', 2022. Photo: Document Photography.