Everyday Alchemy x Heat Safe City
Everyday Alchemy x Heat Safe City is an extension of the ongoing experimental analogue photographic project of Natalie Blom. Using the destructive film soak technique, the artist has introduced heat and heat related materials, echoing the effects of increased temperature on ecosystems. Instant coffee, Hydralyte and even an oven are all employed to cause both physical and chemical interventions onto the surface of the film.
The content of the imagery examines both moments of despair and moments of aspiration. Low-quality housing stock (such as public housing high-rises) are subject to greater risks during a heatwave, resulting in social determinants of health that have graver consequences for those of lower socioeconomic status. In contrast, the provision of green spaces within urban areas and views of native, climate resilient flora, can offer inspiration and hope to all members of the community.
Works are displayed at both Sticky Institute and the vitrine spaces of the City of Melbourne City Library.
Environmental considerations have been made during the production of this exhibition. All materials, besides the prints themselves; has been borrowed, thrifted or sourced from dumpsters. Cardboard has been used in some of the installations in the City Library vitrines as a way of creating impermanent displays without the generation and use of new resources.
This project is supported by the City of Melbourne, Sweltering Cities and Sticky Institute and aims to increase community awareness of the heat risk and the work the City of Melbourne are doing to support a climate resilient urban environment.
Everyday Alchemy x Heat Safe City Exhibition Launch
Thursday 18th January 2024, 5pm - 7pm
Come down to Sticky Institute for the launch of Everyday Alchemy x Heat Lab, an extension of the experimental analogue photographic project by Natalie Blom. View works on an intimate scale to uncover evidence of the impact of heat on photographic film, echoing the effects of increased temperature on us all.
Sticky Institute, The Nicholas Building, Room 814 - 815, Level 8/37 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Free tickets available here.
Ecological Arts - Engagement in Environment through Creative Practice - An Panel Discussion (Online)
Friday 19th January 2024, 6pm - 7pm
Natalie Blom will be joined by Anna Dunnill and Emily Simek in an online panel discussion as artists that explore ecological relationships through their practice.
From collaborations with worms to consideration of invasive flora species, discussion between participants aims to examine ways we can build climate resilience through creative practice when faced with increased frequency of heatwave events.
Online
Free tickets available here.
Experimental Analogue Film Workshop with Natalie Blom
Saturday 20th January 2024, 10.30am - 12pm
Join photomedia artist Natalie Blom in exploring alternative techniques in analogue photography. A range of techniques will be discussed including cross-processes, solarography, pinhole cameras made from household items and more.
Participants will have the opportunity to be guided through taking photographs using the film soak technique used to create the works in the series Everyday Alchemy.
Participants will need to have a working knowledge of their camera and general film photography.
Sticky Institute: Second Location (Edmund Herring Pavilion)
Free tickets available here.
Everyday Alchemy x Heat Safe City Exhibition Artist Talk
Sunday 21st January 2024, 2pm - 3pm
Join Natalie Blom for an artist talk about her work Everyday Alchemy and her experiences in alternative image making. Describing the experimental analogue techniques engaged to produce the work, this talk will outline the role of heat in the production of these works.
Sticky Institute, The Nicholas Building, Room 814 - 815, Level 8/37 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Free tickets available here.
