lara favaretto at the biennale of sydney 2008

installation view of ‘plotone’ by lara favaretto at the biennale of sydney 2008 image © designboom

cockatoo island, biennale of sydney 2008 was also the venue of lara favaretto’s site-specific installation.  the turin-based artist is known to use sculpture, photography, film and installation to create her ‘macchine del divertimento’ (fun machines)  which express a sense of magical fantasy and urgency, immediately connecting with the viewer through a sense of play.  her fun machines are meant to be completely non-productive or have any purpose.  first displayed in 2005, favaretto created a new version of ‘plotone’ for the biennale of sydney.  made-up of a ‘platoon’ of compressed air tanks, pressure regulators, timers, electrovalves, whistles and plastic cables.  the compressed air tanks appear as if they are on timers releasing air from them  periodically which triggers a chorus of party whistles which create a festive chorus of chants, which is an alternative cacophany of noise to the military marching songs of soldiers.

‘an army betrayed or defeated is standing still, compelled to remain in their confined position, like christian soldiers frustrated in waiting, in a silence interrupted only by single breathe: inhaled through the movement of their red and silver playful tongues.’ – LF

‘plotone’ by lara favaretto, 2008 image © designboom

‘plotone’ by lara favaretto, 2008 image © designboom

more: http://www.bos2008.com http://www.cockatooisland.gov.au

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