Sophie Cunningham
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Saturday 24 March, 2007

Katherine Hattam

A story of mine ran in the Age today about the work of the artist Katherine Hattam. 'Katherine Hattam once told me she had been accused of "wasting books" because she cuts them up - but it could be argued that in giving us pieces of books she returns to us their symbolic meaning. Usually, when we talk of books, we talk about their content: whether we like what is said between its covers and if it's well written. Her paintings don't ignore content - how could you choose a spine that reads Vile Bodies and not be aware of the force of language - but the context in which she places pieces of books allows them an iconographic force that is separate from the words on their pages.'

Her exhibition opens today, at the Bendigo Art Gallery and includes this image:

Pots_wideweb__470x289,0 I have a painting in this Bejing Pot Series on my wall. And I love it. It opens the space up and makes me think of sky.

Views from the Floor

Jessica says:

Did i hear about this on Radio National the other day? I'm sure i did, but i was half asleep at the time. However, it really intrigued me and this image, along with the one on the website, looks really fantastic. I wish i could go see them in person sometime.

sophie says:

Yes, I think Katherine was interviewed on Radio National the other day. Along with Christian Capurro.

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