[ISEA2016] Artist Talk: Lea Kannar-Lichtenberger — Gagging in Dystopia

Artist Statement

This installation explores the discourse surrounding the Anthropocene, climate change and the evolutionary impact this time will have on our planet and our biosphere. I convey messages relevant to the process of time and change by working with the photographic image, text, sound, water, performance, installation and film. This work uses connections of art alongside science to explore two islands (both of which I have visited) namely the Galapagos Islands and Lord Howe Island. Both groups of Islands, sitting at the centre of my investigations, are World Heritage listed with tourism restrictions and so should have in place mechanisms to maintain the best possible environmental future.
This installation explores how these islands reflect on how humans in the Anthropocene are impacting on the biosphere. This work embraces the current dispersal of pollution, notably plastic and plastic debris into the oceans gyres and works, to create awareness of these issues. By considering the plastic that we touch every day, my examination works to raise our consciousness about its disposal.
Gagging in Dystopia works through the interaction between the worlds of art and science, here I explore evolution in the Anthropocene, a harbinger for the future of our human interaction on this earth; I work to use my art as an agency for change.

  • Lea Kannar-Lichtenberger (AU) has two master degrees in fine arts an MSA (Master of Studio Art) and MFA (Master of Fine Art) from the University of Sydney SCA (Sydney College of the Arts). Her MFA research paper was titled ‘Anthropocene: Human Influence on Evolution and the Biosphere.’ This paper focused on the Galapagos and Lord Howe Islands, however since its completion Lea has continued to research through onsite examinations, in the Faroe Islands, Venice and Deception Island Antarctica, creating artworks that examine the impact of the Anthropocene and consumerism on these travel destinations. [source: leakannar.com]