In Matrimony, multi-disciplinary artist Josephine Mead explores the meaning of ritual, union and love ceremony from a queer perspective. The installation comprises thirty paintings of the artist’s bridal bouquet installed as ‘spectators’ on fourteen pews in the gallery space, and a lone sculpture entitled Bridal Veil, which the artist has hand-crafted from over 2000 brass wedding rings.
A digital sound score composed by Dandenong-based musicians Ben Howard and Lilith Becker accompanies the work, evoking anticipation akin to wedding preparations. The word ‘matrimony’ originates from the Latin mater (mother), whose root matr- is the same of matrimomium (matrimony). As this title signifies, the exhibition draws attention to the acts of care / motherly acts that define committed relationships, while inviting diverse cultural dialogues that challenge traditional notions of love and commitment.
Opening Event: Saturday 21 September, 7pm
Join us for an evening of art, music and ceremony at the opening event of Josephine Mead: Matrimony on Saturday 21 September at 7pm. We invite you to bring a symbol of love, one that will form part of the ongoing exhibition.
Explore the upcoming program below
- Writing about Love with Josephine Mead
Tuesday 8 October, 6.30pm at Dandenong Library
Tuesday 15 October, 6.30pm at Springvale Library - The Dinner Party: Dine, Share, Love: Conversation Circle
Thursday 17 October, 6pm
Walker Street Gallery and Art Centre - Sacred Unions: Queer Cinema, Performance and Installation
Thursday 14 November, 6pm
Walker Street Gallery and Art Centre
Banner image credit: Josephine Mead, Twenty Four paintings of my Bridal Bouquet, installation view, installed at the Engine Room, Bendigo, 2024. Image courtesy of the artist
Main image credit:Â Josephine Mead in front of ’24 paintings of my bridal bouquet’, installed at the Engine Room, Bendigo, 2024. Image courtesy of the artist.
