Sustaining Identity

Sustaining Identity seeks to explore what sustainability means within the context of contemporary art by asking artists of all disciplines to submit works in response to this theme, considering what impact this topic may have on their working practice.

The question of sustainability is not new. It has been in practice for centuries and there are many examples of how previous generations and societies have automatically integrated sustainable practices into lifestyle, architecture and social structures. Although some of these have been forgotten, others are being revived as a result of our renewed hunt for a supportable existence. This exhibition seeks to explore what sustainability means within the context of contemporary art by asking artists of all disciplines to submit works in response to this theme.

Artists such as Joseph Beuys, August Sander, Bharti Kher, Hassan Sharif, Nina Katchadourian and Mona Hatoum all work (or worked) in a variety of mediums and forms but their work could be seen to fall under the umbrella of sustainability, tackling such issues as the environment, cultural heritage or documentation of historical events. Some collect and archive, others appropriate found materials through process and new technologies and other varying mediums, such as building and installation to painting, collage and photography.