DreamRaiser Art: The idea of the sacred and the divine in world traditions
Vesna and Damir Tenodi were among the finalists in the Sculpture by the Bay exhibition organised by Rockdale City Council at Kyeemagh beach on historic Botany Bay in 2012.
Both participated in the Sculpture by the Bay in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Vesna was among the finalists with “Sit Down and Rest – Mummy Loves You” and “Event Horizon” sculptures in 2012, “Living Wanjina” in 2013, “Wanjina the Janus Face” in 2014, “SkyGod Speaks” in 2015 and “Happy Wanjina” in 2016.
Damir was among the finalists over those five years, with “Icarus the Iron Man” in 2012, “Barbino Christ” and “Splatter Face” in 2013, “Spirit of the Forest” in 2014, “Surfers’s Paradise” in 2015 and “The Good, the Baddies and the Ugly” in 2016.
These artworks form part of the ongoing DreamRaiser project, in which both Australian and international artists explore the idea of the sacred and the divine in a number of ancient traditions, especially the Wanjina and Bradshaw themes as created by the Pre-Aboriginal races of Rajanes and Abrajanes.
2016
Happy Wanjina – detail
Happy Wanjina
Happy Wanjina – detail
The Good, the Baddies and the Ugly
The Good, the Baddies and the Ugly – detail
2015
Sky-God Speaks
Sky-God Speaks
Sky-God Speaks
Sky-God Speaks
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise
2014
Wanjina the Janus Face – Pink
Wanjina the Janus Face – Blue
Wanjina the Janus Face – Blue
Wanjina the Janus Face – Pink
2013
Living Wanjina
Living Wanjina – Baner & Vesna Tenodi
Splatter Face
Splatter Face
Barbino Christ
Barbino Christ – detail
Vesna’s art installations: Sit Down & Rest – Mummy Loves You & Event Horizon
The “Sit Down and Rest – Mummy Loves You” art installation consists of a blue wooden bench and a mannequin wrapped up like a mummy and is referenced to Egyptian sacred tradition. In a number of ancient cultures, mummification is a process of preservation of the body, either in preparation for its transition into the next life, or to protect it while awaiting to be revived into a better life. The message of the artwork is that in times of uncertainty we all need an infusion of new ideas, or a reminder of the important knowledge encapsulated in some of the ancient traditions – in order to overcome complacency, apathy and a sense of powerlessness.
It is also referenced to the power of communication, the bench symbolising an invitation to sit down and have a conversation, to implement the core values that all human beings have in common.
The “Event Horizon” art installation consists of a 3-metre wrought iron fence and a 1.8m painted mannequin positioned behind it. It symbolises the fusion of physics and metaphysics. In general relativity, an event horizon is a boundary in space-time beyond which events cannot affect an outside observer. In layman’s terms it is defined as the “point of no return”. The message of the artwork is that in times of crisis, we need to think beyond the obvious and see the relation between the visible and the invisible realms of existence. The event horizon is a point where we step into the unknown, and requires courage and trust. The artwork is also linked to the migrant experience, implying longing for the past, and optimism for the future. The Harlequin-mannequin symbolises the importance of humour and playfulness in the face of life’s challenges.
Damir’s art installation: Icarus the Iron Man – aspirations and discipline
The “Icarus the Iron Man – Aspirations and Discipline” art installation is made of recycled metal material, representing the fusion of the old and the new. The artwork refers to Greek sacred tradition and the myth of Icarus, combined with the Australian love of sports and the widely popular Ironman competition. It symbolises the paradox of the ongoing struggle between the spiritual and the material, with the spirit trying to soar, but being weighed down by the heavy body. Icarus represents our highest aspirations, while the Iron Man symbolises the discipline and hard work needed to find a balance. Its message is that we can fly if we aspire like Icarus, and apply effort and dedication like an Ironman.
DreamRaiser Artists in Arncliffe Art Festival June 2012
Vesna’s Wanjina Signs art installation and Damir’s Wanjina Lightning Rods: were displayed in the Arncliffe Community Centre in June.
