ALEX WINNER

Inspired by a study that found microplastics in 93% of bottled water, Ingestion responds to the thematic prompt of the 2023 Bunbury Biennale by reflecting on the damaging effects microplastics have on the environment, the natural world, and the human body.

“The heavy use of plastic packaging, plastic bottles and disposable cups has provoked the issue with direct contact and release of plastic flaking into food items.” (Jadhav et al, 2021)

The installation element was made using exclusively plastic-based products. By placing the objects in the space, the effect creates a three-dimensional extension of the projected image, inviting the viewer to dine, too. The relationship between viewer, space and projected image allows for increased immersion and directly addresses the audience’s role in the cyclical nature of the hazardous environmental effects consuming plastic products has.

By capturing the performance in one, unbroken shot, the focus is solely on the act of consumption. The process of achieving the look of the ingestion of plastic lids was by using an editing technique in post-production to make a seamless transition to create the illusion.

The framing and performance inspiration stems from a viral Andy Warhol video/performance piece of Warhol looking directly at a camera and consuming a cheeseburger in one sitting. By using the same visual cues in a different cultural context, the uncomfortable feeling is the same.

Performer: Caleb Macauley

Cinematographer/Camera Operator: Jakob Wells

Alex Winner’s work consists of using video, photography, sound and installation art. Drawn to these mediums through his background in film production, Winner’s work experiments with using moving images juxtaposed with contrasting audio to create new meaning.

During Winner’s honour’s thesis at Murdoch University, he explored the idea of using sound and video in a way to encourage exploration within a space. By creating immersive, interactive spaces, the relationship between audience, artwork and space was investigated by placing the viewer inside an everevolving piece. This was done by letting the viewer control the parameters of their own experience using motion sensors.

Winner often has a collaborative approach to art making, utilising other creative disciplines such as performance artists, cinematographers and textile artists.