WATER
An enduring theme for creative art production during 2003
Note (28.11.2023): More content to be added
During 2003, the International Year of Fresh Water, water emerged as a major theme of creative activity at the ANU Schools of Art and Music (National Institute for the Arts - NITA), in particular involving the School of Art Environment Studio. The ANU National Institute for Environment (NIE) formed a Water Committee, chaired by John Reid, and in conjunction with NITA instigated a program of water related events under the banner:
[What typified the 2003 program of events was the focus on water, per say, rather than water as a river course or a body in a particular location. The latter were the concern of several Environment Studio Field Study Programs from Cave Creek and the Goodradigbee River in 1966 to the Murrumbidgee, Murray and Darling systems up to 2010].
Participants in the ANU Development Studies Network’s Water Forum (19 - 20 August, 2003), toast the International Year of Fresh Water with prize winning Melbourne tap water (Water Olympics, Australian Science Festival, 12 - 24 August, 2003) in ceremonial vessels designed by John Reid and Tim Wetherell at a reception held in the ANU School of Art Foyer Gallery on 20 August, the opening day of the Ceremonial Vessels for the Drinking of Water exhibition. Photograph: Tim Wetherell
John Reid and Tim Wetherell Ceremonial Vessel for Toasting Fresh Water 2003 Approx 30.0 x 30.0 x 10.0 cm. Production run 75. Moulded plastic
A modicum of fresh drinking water is poured into the bowl. The exaggerated rim of the vessel is taken in two hands in a symbolic gesture of reverence. The vessel is raised in a slow movement and orientated so that the channel (observable in the ‘2 o’clock’ position of the rim in the photograph above) will deliver water from the bowl to the lips. The water can be viewed as it trickles into the drinker’s body.
An H2O03 Canberra Milk carton promotion for the first iteration of the exhibition Ceremonial Vessels for Drinking Water at the Canberra Centre in Civic, Canberra. The second iteration followed immediately after at the ANU School of Art Foyer Gallery.
See below.
