Here’s to my sweet Satan’ from Julia Robinson, soft sculpture, on at Uber Gallery, Melbourne, 1 October to 4 November 2008
In Here’s to my sweet Satan, Robinson’s creatures are reminiscent of those superstitious constructs that seduced and revolted the saints with perverted whispers. The exhibition is replete with darkness, torture and a strong sense of sadism, but thankfully no moralistic overtones. Robinson’s compulsion towards the conflicts and complements that occur when objects or themes of corruption, debasement and nefariousness are met with exquisite beauty, continues in this extraordinary exhibition.
Image caption: Julia Robinson, Untitled, 2008, Variable dimensions, Flywire, fibreglass, felt, fabric, fixings, flocking, thread, resin and paint
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I wouldn’t trust, nor would I want to be anywhere near anyone who can find it in herself to describe the devil as sweet even if quoting or describing someone else.
This is uncalled for and not needed. It doesn’t serve any purpose.
Another title could have been used.
Out of respect for others, but especially to reverence God, she should have not used such a title.
Now her name will always be associated with Satan’s.
Another sign of the times.
“Darkness, torture, sadism…thankfully no moralistic overtones”…just what we need in our culture. I’ll pass.
Everytime I think the world might not be so bad, something like this shows up on the Internet.
I had heard whipup was a great place to learn crafts so I checked it out. When I saw this thing, I realized this was not a site I wanted to visit.
I’m not particularly religious, but I’m offended and disgusted, and I won’t be back. I have no idea why someone would want to post such a thing.
But I’m glad to see I’m not alone in my revulsion. Thank you Linda and Ann for being brave enough to make the comments you did. Nowadays anything is suppossed to be acceptable as long as you slap the word “Art” over it.
Ann, I think you hit it right on the head.
open your minds. words are words and the word satan means nothing without its social constructs. look at the world as it is, not as your societal mind tells you to perceive it. get past the title and look at the art. make your decisions based on reality.
As the artist of this so called and surprisingly (to myself) controversial show, I feel the need to reply!!
Thankyou Kareen for your comments and for understanding the premise of the show – a word is a word indeed and really holds no power although some seem to think it does. The title of the show came from the famous line apparently found when playing ‘stairway to heaven’ backwards and references the paranoia people seem to experience about the Devil.
I find it hilarious to read the comments by the above viewers who seem to embody the very emotions I was critiquing in my work! I guess I should be thankful my work had such an impact!!
Amyway, I know I am late in my reply but I have only just found this website. Long live the crafts and arts – whatever the subject matter!
Julia
Thanks Julia for your response, I love your work and was surprised myself at the comments. Keep doing what you do!
Hello,
cool sculpture.. is it possibly to buy one or is it a one of a kind ?