THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT GABRIELLE RISH + RICHARD LANGLEY

EXHIBIT: FRIDAY 15 SEP – SATURDAY 14 OCT

The Engineering Department is an exhibition of sculptural and 2D works exploring the ceaseless ingenuity of engineering. Wielding maths, mechanical pencils and measuring devices, engineers negotiate with monumental natural forces like wind, water, electromagnetism and gravitation. The local incubator of this technical boldness is the University of Tasmania’s engineering department. Housed in a building completed in 1959, the engineering department exemplifies the post-war belief that engineering would solve the world’s problems, from its classical geometry-inspired architecture through to the precision equipment in its laboratories. In collaborative play, Gabrielle Rish and Richard Langley report* back from this strange, purposeful environment on the wonders within, including the 500-tonne crusher, the plywood jet engine and the enigmatic foot candle.

*Not peer-reviewed

The artists thank the University of Tasmania College of Sciences and Engineering and the Engineering Technical Team for their support.