Matthew Bird: Dormitorium

5 March – 9 July 2017
McClelland

Dormitorium was an interactive sculptural project by Melbourne-based artist and architect Matthew Bird. Acclaimed for his progressive and experimental methods, Bird draws across and unites numerous creative disciplines from architecture and interior design to installation art, photography and performance.

In the lead-up to this exhibition, Bird’s research led to an extensive exploration in the changing traditions of bedchamber aesthetics and the potential these spaces have to profoundly affect the way we rest and rejuvenate. Bringing together these ideas, Dormitorium presented a communal sleep chamber and exploratory environment that encouraged audiences to engage with a complexity of sensory propositions, from textures and materials to the immersive effects of moving light and sound technologies.

Dormitorium was created in collaboration with Respiratory & Sleep Disorders Physician Dr Marcus McMahon from Austin Health and Professor Shantha Rajaratnam and Professor Sean Drummond from Monash University’s Sleep Program, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences. With contributions from architect and designer Caitlyn Parry, choreographer/ performance artist Phillip Adams and choreographer/ dance artist Shelley Lasica.

Image: Matthew Bird, Dormitorium 2017, timber, steel, fixings, paint, electroplated zinc coated trampoline, motorised turntable, sheep skin toppers, caster wheels, projectors, animated digital projections, LED strip lighting, quilted and memory foam pillows, gutter bristles, electrical clamps. Featuring choreographer and dance artist Shelley Lasica. Copyright the artist. Photo Peter Bennetts.

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