Shadowgram

The Shadowgram holds a celebrated place within the Art Historical cannon, making its first appearance in 19^th century photogenic drawings. This act of capturing the cast shadow of an object, has often been represented since then, and was the inspiration for this interactive performative artwork. Placed in Bourke’s arcade, this installation, designed to engage the Singleton LGA community and residents in a discussion surrounding themes of family, place and what it means to live in Singleton now and into the future! 

This project was made possible, as part of the collaboration between the University of Newcastle’s Future Art, Science and Technology Lab (FASTlab), Art Thinking Australia and Ars Electronica. Produced by Dr Kristefan Minski the project drew on the expertise from researchers from The University of Newcastle’s School of Creative Industries, most notably that of Dr Ari Chand, Professor Paul Egglestone, Professor Mario Minichiello, Luke O’Donnell, Danielo Pati and Neale Davy.

Shadowgrams was operational in March 2021 as part of the Living Laneways project, an NSW Government, Streets as Shared Spaces program from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. 

The work itself involved the use of four Public Art media works not dissimilar to panelled pillars decorated with illustrations of the Singleton LGA. The panels were installed within the arcade for view and interaction. Members of the Singleton LGA were invited to use technology to create a shadowgram of themselves and or their family’s silhouette which was printed and cut on site and pasted onto works for public view. Participants added a speech bubble with phrases, quotes, thoughts, and insights to their shadowgrams, offering their views on what the Singleton of tomorrow will hold. The Public Artwork had 350 participants partaking in the work with the overarching takeaway idea being one of looking toward a future of ‘innovation, sustainability, and family values’ for the Singleton LGA.

For further information and enquiries, contact:

Fastlab – The Centre of Applied Chaos (soci.org.au) Shadowgram Singleton — Art Thinking

Shadowgram credit:
Producer: Kristefan Minski
Wall Artwork: Ari Chand
Singleton Shadowgram Chief Investigators (FASTlab): Dr Ari Chand and Dr Kristefan Minski
FASTlab Technical Production Support: Luke O’Donnell, Danielo Pati & Neale Davy
FASTlab Chief Investigators Singleton Laneways: Professor Paul Egglestone, Professor Mario Minichiello and Dr Kristefan Minski