ROWAN SCHWARTZ
The emergency of being alive
07 Apr 2021—25 Apr 2021

New works by Rowan Schwartz

‘The emergency of being alive’ is a body of work that distils thoughts on the human condition and the cosmos; ideas that have sat with the artist for many years, and have only now taken form. The title for the exhibition comes from American poet William Stafford, who kept a post-it note inscribed with the words just above his desk – a reminder to live attentively moment by moment. The universality in the sentiment and the resulting works invite a shared experience of the micro- and macro-components of the lives we live.

Given the vast, intangible and indefinable cosmos of which we are a part, and yet the very real, personal and locatable nexus of chronic pain, Schwartz negotiates life and the necessity of making art through intellectual and meditative practices. Informed by lived experience, enriched by philosophy and Zen teachings, and with the support and understanding of friends and mentors like Janenne Eaton, Bob Sharples and Hilary Sadek, Schwartz creates a deep reading of being and time for those who choose to stay a while.

Both TCB and the artist would like to acknowledge the people of the Kulin Nations as the traditional custodians of the land on which they live and work, recognising the Wurundjeri and Bunurong peoples’ enduring connection to land, waters and community. They pay their respects to Elders past, present and future.

Exhibiton text.