Elliot Bastianon in their studio. Photo: Cassie Abraham. Courtesy: the artist and Canberra Museum and Gallery, Canberra.

What does the adage ‘truth to materials’ mean today? When does a sculpture become a functional design object?

This exhibition explores the fluidity to these questions in contemporary creative practice.

Featured are new and recent works by 10 artists and designers, who each have an association with the Canberra region. They explore what happens when ancient geology becomes a wall treatment – when acid transforms smooth shiny copper into organic dripping furniture – and when rich coloured glass formed into a coolamon holds the cultural knowledge of the flow of water on this Country.

During the exhibition, audiences are invited to contribute by collaborating on the making of a sculpture with artist, Lucy Irvine, that will float out from the gallery space and into Civic Square.

Featured artists include Elliot Bastianon, Mel Douglas, Marion Drew, Ashley Eriksmoen, Paul Girrawah House, Lucy Irvine, Trent Jansen, Harriet Schwarzrock, Rebecca Selleck and James Tylor.