Rot! - Emerson Radisich

8 January - 24 February 2022

Chutespace

Chutespace is Canberra’s smallest gallery which operates as a repurposed after hours return chute at the former Griffith library. When asked to exhibit work here, I wanted to capture the gallery’s 24/7 accessibility and showcase a durational exhibition. The result was Rot!: A live installation, simply composed of a McDonald's Cheeseburger.

Mouldy foods have been used in recent years as a symbol for mortality by contemporary artists including Klaus Pilcher and Kathleen Ryan. Furry, decomposing items once for consumption explore themes such as excess in humanity, waste, material value and our built environment. But what about the humble cheeseburger. Will it rot or will it not?