Our December laurel goes to Kate Baker for an installation in Shanghai combining animation and glass reflecting the anxieties of children.
The artwork Little Fish is a 6-metre-long video, sound, and glass installation. Its visual focal point is a collection of glass castings of various body parts, which resemble remnants of ancient Roman and Greek sculptures. This symbolises the sedimentation of history and the continuity of cultural heritage. Beneath these castings, a 15-minute video projection captures children swimming in a pool, depicting the scene as it transitions from emptiness to a bustling crowd, then gradually dispersing after playful moments.
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- Preparation with kids
Little Fish profoundly focuses on the fate of children amidst the intertwining of contemporary social environments and historical heritage. Through symbolic cinematography, it illustrates their nuanced circumstances in relation to adult expectations, traditional burdens, and future challenges. The laughter and freedom of the children in the video reflect a yearning for and exploration of the adult world, while also hinting at their anxieties and hopes for the future. The artist encourages viewers to contemplate how, against the grand backdrop of history, children navigate their identities and positions amidst adult expectations and societal pressures, presenting a profound reflection on the possibilities of the future.
Kate Baker works out of her purpose-built studio in Sydenham, Sydney, Australia. For the Little Fish project, Kate worked with a group of young dance students and the dance teacher to film the choreography in a glass-sided pool. Kate engaged video artist Su-An Ng and sound artist Natasha Dubler to assist in the final creation of the work. Visit katebaker.com.au and follow @katebakerart
Kate Baker, Difficult Knowledge, Shanghai Museum of Glass, November 6, 2024 – April 27, 2025
