In The Oracle, Anna Nazzari examines the prophet-like abilities of the octopus through a series of images that allude to the impending fates of well-known Australians. Her subtle and absurd interventions imply some fates are inevitable...
Nazzari writes, "there is something real and authentic about a fear of open waters and the monsters that lurk within them. In Jules Verne’s classic: 20 000 Leagues Under the Sea the sea monster that terrorises Captain Nemo’s submarine is a massive octopus or squid. The recent discoveries of several full-bodied giant and colossal squids have heightened our understanding of this unknown beast. Whether or not the colossal squid should be feared, remains unsubstantiated... While the colossal squid is almost impossible to study in a live state, its smaller family members: the octopus and the squid are frequently analysed. In particular, recent studies on live octopuses at the New England Aquarium have suggested that the octopus is an extraordinarily intelligent animal. Although quite solitary, it is able to perform complicated tasks, strategise and bond with individuals. [Montgomery 2011]"
In 2010 an octopus named Paul garnered international attention when he predicted the winner of each of the German Football team’s seven matches, as well as the final event. Nazzari notes that his "authenticity as a psychic phenomenon stemmed from his enigmatic, alien appearance and perceived supernatural intelligence"
Fortune telling, gambling and gaming have been ongoing themes in her work, often in the form of exquisitely hand crafted mechanical installations, and more recently, in photographs of her hand built sets featuring the Oracle, an octopus who may, or might not, be able to predict the future. A dark thread of humour is evident in Nazzari’s artworks. Her graduate exhibition featured taxidermied animals on mechanical contraptions, and these were followed by her carved wooden parlour games that no player could win. Animals have been a recurring theme, imbued with other worldliness they intervene with the human psyche. She focuses this exhibition on the ambiguity of the octopus as both intelligent creature and feared monster. The octopus is not a fate changer, but symbolic of fate, more like a sign of an inevitable fate.
The Oracle features images of Julia Gillard in her office and Schapelle Corby dressed as a terrorist, both seeking the psychic advice of a phosphorescent octopus. Bert Newton also makes an appearance, in a cryogenic chamber. Nazzari is questioning the fates of Corby, Newton and Gillard. What would Corby’s life be like after prison? Would she be a housewife or terrorist? Gillard could be facing an election loss, after narrowly retaining her leadership. In these images she is on the brink of the inevitable, desperate but resolved. Nazzari’s artworks touch on so many human foibles, our quest for longevity, for power, and for revenge.
Dr Anna Nazzari studied at Curtin University in Perth, graduating with Distinction and First Class Honours in 2003 before going on to obtain her PhD in 2011. She was featured in the national graduate exhibition Hatched in 2003 and since then has been included in 13 group exhibitions. The Oracle is her fourth solo exhibition.
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- TURNER GALLERIES | showcasing contemporary art
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