STEVEN CAVANAGH
At the unknowable void of time and space, float surrounded by the stars
CELESTIAL BODIES, 2050
Artist Statement
The Black Square, painted by Russian Futurist Kazimir Malevich in 1915, was the invitation. A mystical and powerful work that represents the zero point in art. It is the unknowable void of time and space.
Now in 2050, we are at a turning point. Water is plentiful and we have come to understand our climate. We have come to understand nature. We have discovered the secret of the Black Square. It is a new dimension. A portal and a mirror. Nothing but light. Nothing but love. A beautiful invitation to the art world to dream again.
Celestial Bodies is a series of earthworks activated and experienced between sunset and sunrise. Liminal spaces of earth, sky and water. Dreaming spaces.
All bodies of water across the Central West point to the stars. The water mirrors the stars back to us in deep conversation. Pursuing the notion of art as an ephemeral object, you are invited to enter the water. You will be led by the artist, in collaboration with local aboriginal communities, flora and fauna. Submerged and fully supported, place your star in liquid space. Float surrounded by the stars of those who have come before you.
Each body of water is the Black Square. A glowing and transformative reference to the sublime. Together we have called. The universe has answered. We are the celestial bodies. Life beginning. Life sustaining. Life ending. The mirror.
STEVEN CAVANAGH
Cavanagh is a multi-disciplinary artist, curator and educator living and working on Wiradjuri land. His art practice explores environmental vulnerability and identity. His work is often politically provocative and personal, referencing lived experiences.
In a desire to broaden his art practice, career and most importantly life, Steven chose to make a move into the Central West in 2018. Cavanagh was instrumental in creating the Hill End Art Gallery in 2021.
Recent exhibitions include Plant + Human with the Australian Centre for Photography, Build That Wall, a 3-day durational performance work for Cementa and DARK at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery. He was commissioned to create new work for Material Measure at Orange Regional Gallery and Queer Ecology with Schmick Contemporary in Sydney. He is a lecturer, collaborator and mentor with the Corridor Project and National Art School. He curated While the World Waits, a regional touring exhibition featuring 20 artists responding to the global pandemic and events of 2020/21 and exhibited in 16 locations across the NSW Central West, including NSW Parliament House in August 2024.
Home is a beautiful property in Hill End NSW, where the hum of the bush is ever present and full of surprises.
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