THE RHYTHM of Life By Melissa Walsh
M
ay 17 is when the Ross Manning: Dissonant Rhythms exhibition arrives in Mornington. The Brisbanebased artist who has been creating immersive light and sound works for nearly a decade has his work on display at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery until July.
Spanning the past decade of Manning’s practice, Dissonant Rhythms was originally presented at the Institute of Modern Art (IMA) and has now been reconfigured to tour across Australia. Dissonant Rhythms is curated by Aileen Burns, Johan Lundh, and Madeleine King.
Manning’s work is grounded in the artistic and music traditions of Brisbane, while his increasingly ambitious sonic and luminous environments put him at the forefront of artistic practice nationally and internationally.
Manning’s work is an intriguing interplay of light and sound, creating an atmosphere within the gallery that promotes self-play, introspection and a sense of wonder, as animated objects activate multiple senses in the viewer.
Dissonant Rhythms is Manning’s first-ever survey exhibition. Best known for his use of everyday materials, Manning’s exhibition features sculptures that repurpose electric fans, fluorescent tubes, and overhead projectors. Propelled by electricity and their own kinetic forces, Manning’s work engulfs the entirety of the spaces they exist in, creating mesmerising experiences of light and sound.
An artist and musician, Manning’s practice revolves around experimental music, immersive installations and new technologies, with light typically serving as the focal point of his work. His work has recently been featured in the 11th Shanghai Biennial in “Why Not Ask Again?”, as well as “Set in Motion” at Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.
E ssence
48 | PENINSULA
May 2019