Kate Dorrough

Kate Dorrough

This work is inspired by the harbour setting off the Coal Loader focusing on the significance of water. The importance and necessity of water, historically for industry, shipping and as a source of fertility for a layered occupation and the site's ecology.

Suggesting a river cave the installation acts as a shrine to the role of water. A cross fertilisation off mediums; concrete rock constructions supporting bowls of water, a fountain, video, a large fabric hanging and suspended fabric river effigies, all speak of a subterranean wonderland.

Presented within the chambers of the site the fabric hanging and effigies softened the stone walls creating an intimate and womb like space. The fabric embellished with layers of paper, hand stitching and painted calligraphic marks suggest a hidden language. Adorned with sequins and beads they glimmer emerge from the darkness.

Dramatic lighting highlights water held in the bowls and the interplay of artificial rock constructions and the existing rock wall. Accompanied by the sound of a water fountain and a video of water imagery filmed on site projected onto the fabric hanging creates a conversation of shadows and aqueous depths, it is a place of reverence, a metaphorical emblem of water.