Newport Substation: Radicalism Exhibition

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Newport Substation's current exhibition, Radicalism , is open until the 23rd of February and explores representations of gender and sexuality--looking at the political, social and cultural trials that challenge queer identity in contemporary society.

The Substation was originally built to power the rail system in the Hobson's Bay area but was converted into a hub for all aspects of the arts. It opened in 2008 and holds many workshops, galleries and performances.

The Substation is a remarkable building. It's got an air of dereliction and urban decay which surrounds you as you walk through the long, eerily-lit corridors. Sounds from videos created by artists echo around you and you'll turn a corner to abruptly come across an artist's display.

Radicalism had a number of different formats. There were some amazing sculptures and pictures but my favourites were the videos. One contained an image of a smart phone with a dating app. The thumb would slide across people's profiles and without even reading what these people had to say about themselves the thumb would press block. It was an interesting comment on how our society views dating and relationships.

My favourite part of the exhibition was a video which showed four girls hammering a post into the ground from the morning until night. They used a rubber hammer and it was interesting to see their patience and endurance and comparing that to what LGBT people have had to undergo in contemporary society.

This is an exhibition that's worth seeing.

#art
#exhibitions
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#LGBTIQ
#newport
#january
#february
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