Heavens is a three-dimensional walk through painting suspended in space in a black room. It is composed of 42 separate paintings, each one a net of pure paint 3 metres high and 4.5 metres wide. The number of paintings and the configuration is adaptable depending on the venue, making each installation a unique experience.
The title Heavens invites any number of interpretations – biblical, theological, cultural, cosmological etc. However the installation is intended to create a sense of awe and mystery and a profound contemplative feeling that is meaningful to people of all faiths and cultures.
The exhibition was toured to regional galleries by the National Exhibition Support Agency (NETS).
Tour manager
Georgia Cribb, NETS Victoria, georgia.cribb@netsvictoria.org www.netsvictoria.org
Coordinating Curator
Helen Light, Jewish Museum of Australia, h.light@jewishmuseum.com.au www.jewishmuseum.com.au
Heavens – Studio Preview (2006)
Photos:Mark Ashkanasy
The Exhibition
Renowned Australian artist Asher Bilu will create a site specific installation for five galleries across Victoria, showing at the Jewish Museum of Australia from 14 November 2006 until 11 February 2007, and then touring regional centers in 2007. A net-like veil produced from resinous paint – literally a three-dimensional painting – will be subtly layered across blackened gallery walls, creating an ‘other worldly’ experience for visitors as they walk through the Heavens. Extending the boundary of physical space, the installation will inspire a sense of awe and mystery and a feeling of timelessness. Heavens is intended to create a profound contemplative feeling that is meaningful to people of all faiths and cultures.
Forty-three light and flexible nets, each 3.5 metres high x 4 metres wide (11½ ft x 13 ft), total length 172 metres (564 ft), will be attached to the walls or ceiling in different configurations depending on the venue making each installation a unique experience.
No natural light. Black walls & ceiling, and preferably black floor.
The work is easily transportable in 4 wooden crates.
Jewish Museum of Australia, 12 Nov 2006 – 18 Feb 2007
Photos:Mark Ashkanasy
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, 7 March – 9 April 2007
Latrobe Regional Gallery, 21 April – 3 June 2007
Benalla Art Gallery, 1 Aug– 19 Sept 2007
