FRONT GALLERY: OAKEY (SA)- CONTINUUM

Continuum is a site-specific sculptural installation that flows between the built architectural space to that which lies beyond the boundaries of the five senses.

Looking through the lens of Buddhist or Taoist philosophy and quantum mechanics, there is a movement and flow of energy between everything, be it living beings, objects or thoughts. Some we cannot see, but, at times, may be able to feel. It is these connections, networks and spaces, on a cellular or cosmic level, that the artist considers in the process of creating this work.

Each strand of wool, deliberately placed back and forth, seeks to find balance and equilibrium, and is an extension of the artist whose art practice is closely tied with her ever-reaching quest to understand the world and how everything connects. In this way, Continuum was formed from a meditative process, holding the feeling of calm that can be achieved through meditation or time spent in nature.

Responding to the galleries space and place, Continuum is influenced by time reflecting on Buddhist meditation, healing, neural networks, plant intelligence, and our innate connection to nature.

To read Liv Spiers response to Oakey’s Continuum please click on the link below

Oakey is an emerging contemporary artist based in Adelaide who creates sculptural and installation works.

Born in England, she spent her childhood exploring the English woodlands. These early experiences of being immersed in nature created a deep fascination in the interconnectedness of the living world around us and our relationship to it. Oakey’s practice explores themes of identity, deep ecology and plant intelligence, and her work seeks to make visible the hidden connections and space beyond the perceived world.

Oakey completed the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Arts) (Honours) through Adelaide College of the Arts and Flinders University in 2019, receiving first class honours. Following this, she went on to receive the FELTspace Graduate Award in 2019, and earlier this year was presented with the ACE Open Residency Award and Bendigo & Adelaide Bank Award, supported by The Helpmann Academy