Selected works from RMIT Culture collections

Lisa Roet ,Chimpanzee Hands, 2007

Every day, before COVID-19 lockdown, I walked past this sculpture on my way into the art studios at RMIT. It was a constant. Most of the time I barely acknowledged it was there. Yet on the few days I stopped and took the time to observe the sculpture, the open palms had a welcoming feel as though they were enticing you to look deeper. I look forward to when I can walk past this sculpture again on my way into class. Perhaps spending time apart from it will encourage me to appreciate it that little bit more.

Lisa Roet

Chimpanzee Hands, 2007

Bronze

Edition: 1/6

Right hand 103 x 44 x 23 cm (irreg.); left hand 97 x 42 x 25 cm (irreg.)

Purchased through the RMIT Art Fund, 2012

RMIT University Art Collection

Wayne Guest, Brooch, 1976 Artworks which create a realistic representation of a known item fascinate me as they can twist reality. I was drawn to this playful interpretation of a sardine tin when I saw it on display at RMIT Gallery last year. Looking at the work I can imagine the feeling of unravelling the top of the tin. For me, it also has a sense of warmth and nostalgia as I was fortunate to have been taught silversmithing by the artist, Wayne Guest.

Wayne Guest Brooch, 1976 9ct gold, titanium, sterling silver 1 x 4 x 3 cm

Acquired through the Puzar Prize, 1976 WE McMillan Collection: RMIT University Art Collection

Link to artwork: https://www.thomasdanegallery.com/artists/36-anya-gallaccio/works/3206/

Anya Gallaccio, Intensities and Surfaces, 1996 Creating artwork can sometimes be a lonely process, which has been exaggerated through the COVID-19 lockdown. I discovered Gallaccio’s work this year and felt an instant connection to the themes she is exploring, in particular the passage of time and the process of decay in natural materials. I admire the visual presence she creates through her work. This melting block of ice captures you with its large scale and the beauty of the colours and forms it creates. To me it also has a sensory feel, just looking at a photograph of the work makes me feel cold.