RETURN was a collaborative project by Alex Davern and Paul Murphy that created an immersive multimedia installation assessing the value of art and culture in a post-pandemic economy, through the investigation of agency and self worth. The 2020/21 lockdowns have had a significant impact on both Alex and Paul, prompting self-reflection and a change of direction in their artistic practices. The world has changed. We question our roles and public conversations concerning who is deemed ‘essential’, bringing the power and limitations of personal agency into focus. Entering the installation, viewers were presented with a tongue-in-cheek questionnaire asking “are you essential?”. Their answer determined which entrance they used to access the installation.
This project was supported by Arts Tasmania, RANT, Junction Arts Festival and Du Cane Brewing.
Sound: Alex Albrecht
Video: Lusy Productions