Christopher Langton ‘Colonies’

Hazelhurst Arts Centre, NSW
26 June – 28 November 2021

Christopher Langton is known for his sculptures and large inflatables that explore themes around pop culture, video gaming and science fiction. Colonies was commissioned for Hazelhurst, and follows Langton’s 2019 Colony exhibition at Tolarno Galleries.

The immersive installation explores ideas of space colonisation while considering issues around our shared ecology. With obvious reference to science fiction and biology, the gallery is filled with asteroids, meteorites and other celestial bodies along with real and imagined organisms in the shape of viruses, bacteria and fungi.

The sculptures in Colonies were 3D printed, using a machine designed by the artist and built using open source information and software. Three large inflatable works are constructed using patterns and PVC which are then painted and later inflated onsite.

The works are printed using polylactic acid or PLA, a sustainable thermoplastic polyester which is produced from corn starch and sugar cane and is biodegradable.

Image: Colonies installation view by Silversalt Photography, courtesy Hazelhurst Arts Centre