Will French
Will French was born in Melbourne and spent his childhood in Korea and Indonesia. He completed a Masters in Visual Arts at Sydney College of the Arts in 2004 and has since pursued his artistic practice and curatorial projects across Australia. French's work carries a common thread of a wry humour and playfulness. His practice addresses a broad range of issues and ideas, from the popular to the political. French examines his own position in relation to these concepts and showcases them in a manner that encourages the viewer to accept his terms. He often utilizes accessible objects and amplifies their reading through a slight tweak or blatant upending. A primary trait of French's practice is the gathering of new processes and skills. Intentionally challenging himself with each new project, French requires a new skill base in order to realise every work. Past works have included: remote control rock guitars, soft sculptured instruments, traditionally sewn flags, production and racing of a demolition derby car, chocolate wheels of death and a motorcycle-powered sewing machine.
Un-Australian Made, 2009, reused woollen fabric, rope and canvas, 160 x 240 cm
"For a term that presents itself as a straightforward case of right and wrong, "un-Australian" is a remarkable paradox. It is, for instance, un-Australian to flout water restrictions, yet it is equally un-Australian to dob your neighbour in for illegally watering their lawn. It is un-Australian to burn the flag, yet it is un-Australian to object to someone's right to burn the flag... perhaps Northern Territory government minister Mark Read topped them all by labelling a group of Aborigines un-Australian when they tried to stop tourists climbing Uluru during a mourning period." The Age, Larissa Dubecki, January 26, 2008. I am, you are, we're un-Australian (to be sung).
