Overlay considers the correspondence between inflicted damage on the land and subsequent attempted repair. Materials have been collected based on their relationships to agriculture and landscape restoration: tree guards found tumbling in the undergrowth and floating in creeks; baling twine snagged on fence lines; silage netting tangled in the dirt; and weeds cut from where they grew. Adapting techniques connected to jewellery histories, these found materials are reprocessed to create works that reflect upon the hope and hopelessness of repair.

Cara Johnson’s craft-based works interrogate tensions and narratives connected to the ways land is treated and used, through material, intention and invested labour. Her practice is entwined with her rural location in the Otways hinterland (Gadubanud country), where she works in isolation, surrounded by bushland and sheep paddocks. Cara’s work is primarily concerned with traversing the complexities between people and plants. 

Cara Johnson is represented by Gallery Funaki.

Join us for the official opening of Overlay by Cara Johnson on Saturday 11th November at 2pm. Click here to RSVP →