Artist Inspired by Heathcote’s History

Absence of occupation is not rest by artist Paul Caporn is driven by a collaborative process with Historian Dr Kate Gregory.

City of Melville Curator Soula Veyradier said Caporn was selected via the City of Melville’s annual Tilt program, which briefed the selected artist to create works in response to the Heathcote site.

“Heathcote has a fascinating history as a mental institution and this has been tabled in archives, photographs, memorabilia and records of staff and patients who lived and worked there,” she said.

“In this instance, the collaboration between an artist and a historian will enable ‘voices’ from the archives to be unearthed and explored.

“By mining the archives and drawing out the history of the site, Caporn’s project will interpret aspects of Heathcote’s history and create a new reading of the past.

“Caporn has been a practising artist for over 15 years working primarily in the realms of sculpture, animation, video and installation. The artist plays with relationships between people, memory time, space and places and his work often engages with the themes of museum and science.”

Absence without occupation is not rest will be officially opened by the Director of Australian Arts Foundation of WA Henry Boston on Friday 19 November from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. Bookings for the opening are essential by calling City of Melville Museums and Gallery Office Claire Bushby on 9364 5666 or emailing claire.bushby@melville.wa.gov.au

The exhibition will show from Saturday 20 November to Sunday 19 December at the Heathcote Museum and Gallery, Heathcote Cultural Centre, Swan House, Duncraig Road, Applecross. Gallery hours: Tuesday to Friday 10.00am to 3.00pm, Saturday and Sunday 11.00am to 3.00pm.

To find out more about Absence without occupation is not rest by Paul Caporn, visit www.melvillecity.com.au