Panel Discussion: Repair and Object Expressions

This event will explore repair in the context of the different practices that structure the way humans relate to objects. In cultures of abundance, it is perhaps easy to forget or gloss over the deep and complicated enfoldings of objects in human emotional life. Consumer culture is often crudely understood as a process of acquisition and display, but the way humans relate to and express themselves through objects is typically more diverse and subtle. This panel will feature a structured discussion with five guests, who will tell stories about three objects based on the categories of 1) repair, 2) gift, 3) collect, 4) dispose, 5) refuse, 6) design, 7) acquire, 8) destroy and 9) hide. At the conclusion of the panel, members of the audience will be encouraged to share stories based on these categories. Audience members are encouraged to bring along any objects should it help them tell a better story.

Alison Page is an award-winning creative at the forefront of contemporary Australian Aboriginal design and storytelling. As a descendant of the Walbanga and Wadi Wadi people of the Yuin nation, and as a leading force in the Australian design scene, she champions the contemporary creative expression of Aboriginal identity.

Andrew Simpson is the principal of Vert Design, a design studio and workshop based in Redfern, Sydney. Simpson, an industrial designer, is known for his environmentally-responsible design and dedication to developing sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.

Catriona Fisk is a PhD student in C18th and C19th maternity wear, fashion and material culture at UTS. Her thesis, entitled “Confined by History,” investigates the material record of pre-twentieth century maternity wear in museum collections. She has also worked on museum exhibition, research and publication projects, most recently Connecting Threads (2016) at Newstead House in Brisbane, Australia.

Simon Von Wolkenstein is an interdisciplinary designer whose focus is on experimental story-telling and post-digital hybrid animation practice. Simon is a graduate of Visual Communication (UTS) and Architecture (University of Sydney).

Jacqueline Gothe is a design researcher in visual communication design at UTS. Jacquline's research focuses on the role of the visual communication designer in complex interdisciplinary and cross-cultural environmental communication design projects. Her recent exhibitions include Chora Fire Water Country at UTS Gallery November 2015, participation in Slow Burn at Delmar Gallery Sydney June 2015 and Interpretive Wonderings, a collaboration with the Culpra Milli Aboriginal Corporation at Mildura Arts Centre 2016.

Chair: Dr Tom Lee

5pm entry for refreshments and a 5:30pm start.

Repair Design Website: https://repair.design/

Related Events: https://repair.design/events/