Yesterday I mentioned the Craft Victoria gallery and shop on Flinders Lane – due to the cardboard fruit window installation – and wanted to promptly follow it up by blogging about Martha McDonald, an artist who showcased in the venue’s exhibition space, creating a beautifully hand-crafted dress from paper, activating and animating it with the addition of water. Through the use of gesture, singing and autobiographical narrative, The Weeping Dress comprises a performance and installation arising from detailed research into Victorian mourning culture. At first I really didn’t get it, but after watching the short film that accompanied the strong image of the traditional soiled dress, coupled with McDonald’s singing it became so ethereal and stunning.
