Tardigrade World
-Sustianable Art Innovation: Research Assembly



    
                 
TW 2024 ++
  1. Object Reborn 
  2. Trash Talk
  3. Thread Exchange (Collaborative Project)

TW 2023 ++
  1. Franklin Art Centre Show
  2. Waste Archive Issue Two

TW 2022 ++
  1. Waste Archive Issue One
  2. ACRCAR at Tamaki
  3. ACRCAR Show at Tamaki
  4. ACRCAR Show at Waiuku
  5. ACRCAR  Participated Artists
  6. ACRCAR Workshops

TW 2021 ++
  1. Mugly
  2. Hangarua Workshops 2021

TW 2020 ++
  1. RM Residency
  2. During COVID-19 Lockdowns
  3. Waste Tour 
  4. Plant Day
  5. Audio Foundation Show
  6. Tardigrade World Trashygrade World Show 2020
  7. The Projacket

TW 2019 ++
  1. The Starting Point of TW Te Tuhi Parnell Studio Opening
  2. Samoa House Library Workshop
  3. Studio One Workshop


Tardigrade World — Info

“Sustainable Art Innovations: Research Assembly“

Welcome to Tardigrade World!

Tardigrade World (TW) is where art meets sustainability. Established in 2019, we transform environmental challenges into creative opportunities, aligning with Auckland Council's zero waste by 2040 goal. Join us as we blend art, science, and community to craft a greener future.

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Te Tuhi Parnell Studio Opening
With Java Bentley








    

Reflections on the Art Studio Opening at Parnell


**Te Tuhi Studios is located within Parnell Station, where Auckland Transport has been exploring opportunities for adaptive reuse of historical railway buildings. Te Tuhi Studios provides a home to a diverse mix of artists, each at different stages of their careers, practicing contemporary art. From July 2019 to November 2019, Tardigrade World joined Te Tuhi Studios, cultivating visions, bringing people together, and actualizing projects for the first time.

In 2019, the artwork "Mont Saint Victoire" by artist Java Bentley was exhibited at the "Meet The Neighbours" events held at Te Tuhi Studios. This artwork offers a visceral portrayal of consumerism and the overflow of waste in modern society. The prominent orange tarp immediately catches attention, symbolizing caution or a signal to take notice. It covers a structure resembling an improvised shelter, highlighting issues of basic needs and shelter amidst the abundance of disposable goods.

Java Bentley, with experience in themes of hand-made craft and materialism, is particularly interested in soft sculpture and collective group practices. Her practice is inspired by the environment and people around her, constantly hoarding ideas from the public domain. A graduate of The University of Auckland and Elam School of Fine Arts, Java believes artists should give back through knowledge, experiences, and opportunities.

Proposed Questions

Was Te Tuhi at that time the best venue?


Te Tuhi, with its established reputation and community involvement in the arts, might have provided an excellent platform for showcasing innovative art practices. However, its suitability would largely depend on the alignment of its audience with the project's objectives. If the goal was to engage a community already interested in contemporary and sustainable art, Te Tuhi could have been ideal. Conversely, if the aim was to reach new, perhaps less engaged audiences, alternative venues might have been more effective.

What is the community at Parnell? Is there a conflict between aesthetics and presenting waste? What is the point of making waste look nice?Parnell, known for its affluence and historic charm, may present a unique audience that values aesthetics, which could create tension when presenting waste materials as art. However, transforming waste into aesthetically pleasing artworks can challenge perceptions and provoke thought. The point of making waste look nice is to shift the narrative around consumption and disposal, encouraging viewers to see value in what is typically discarded, and fostering a deeper connection to sustainability issues.

Was there a community at Parnell Station?Parnell Station, being a transit hub, has a transient community composed of daily commuters and visitors. This transient nature offers an opportunity to engage a diverse audience, though it also poses challenges in creating sustained engagement. Activities and installations at the station could leverage this diversity to disseminate ideas broadly, but deeper, long-term community engagement might require supplementary strategies.

How does art highlight the byproduct of consumer habits?Artworks and projects focusing on waste highlight how consumption patterns generate byproducts. Reflecting on this can raise awareness and encourage more conscious consumer choices. Art that makes this visible can serve as a powerful tool for education and advocacy.

How can art help reconsider the relationship between consumption, waste, and social issues?By using art to explore the interconnectedness of consumption, waste, and broader social issues, the project can promote a holistic understanding of sustainability. This approach encourages viewers to think critically about their own roles within these systems and consider how their actions contribute to larger environmental and social impacts.

How can one navigate between art and sustainability?Balancing artistic expression with sustainability messages can be challenging but rewarding. The key is to ensure that the sustainability narrative does not overshadow the artistic value and vice versa. Finding this balance can make the work more compelling and accessible, fostering both aesthetic appreciation and environmental consciousness


What is the best way to increase public engagement in this space?To increase public engagement, interactive and participatory elements could be highly effective. Workshops, community art projects, and interactive installations invite direct involvement, making the experience personal and memorable. Additionally, leveraging social media and local networks to promote events and share stories can broaden the reach and impact.

Should there be better ways to tie in the location to the work or idea for it to have meaning for the space?

How can making rubbish from the mundane to the focal point give them a spotlight?

Connecting the art to the specific history, culture, and daily life of Parnell can enhance its relevance and resonance. For example, incorporating local waste materials, collaborating with local businesses, and addressing community-specific sustainability challenges can create a stronger connection between the artwork and its audience.

Transforming mundane rubbish into focal points of art highlights their potential and challenges viewers to rethink their perceptions. By giving waste materials a spotlight, the project can draw attention to their hidden value and the stories they carry, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of sustainability efforts.