Object Therapy: ADC On Tour is now on exhibition at Tamworth Regional Gallery as part of the Australian Design Centre's national touring program.
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It's a thought-provoking exhibition exploring creative transformation and notions of value and repair while showcasing innovative design solutions of loved but broken objects.
The exhibition encourages the viewer to consider the nature of the things we use, buy and throw away while exploring the attachments we form with objects.
In 2016, the Australian Design Centre called on members of the public to submit objects in need of "therapy", and people answered with an eclectic mix of pre-loved and well-worn sentimental items.
A tiny glass giraffe, an old Nintendo, and a dishevelled set of bagpipes were among the treasures collected from the Canberra community.
A team of researchers then interviewed the objects' owners, drawing out the personal stories and histories of each.
Finally, each object was repaired by one of a group of noted Australian and international designers and artists, who were each tasked with treating and transforming the object for a new lease on life.
One such object was contributed by Alison, who was given an old Gladstone bag by her father in 2016. At the age of 13 he bought the bag plus a train ticket and travelled Australia.
After a 72-year companionship, the bag showed its age and miles and was submitted by Alison for Object Therapy.
Design team Elbowrkshp deconstructed the bag and reconstructed it into three separate bags, one for Alison and each of her two sisters.
In this age of cheap, disposable products, this fascinating exhibition encourages the viewer to consider the nature of the things we use, buy and throw away while exploring the attachments we form with objects. Object Therapy is a project by Hotel Hotel, developed in partnership with the University of NSW School of Art and Design and the ANU School of Art and Design.
It will be on display at the Tamworth Regional Gallery until Sunday, October 27.
Eloise Newall is Customer Service and Collections Officer at Tamworth Regional Gallery