New exhibition showcases unseen forces that shape life on earth
- intouch Magazine
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
An ancient sensory ability that enables organisms such as sharks, rays and bees to detect and respond to electrical fields will be presented on an immersive scale at the Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP) mima from Saturday 26 April.
Award-winning experimental artist Sandy Sanderson said her exhibition, Communia Omnia, invites viewers to tap into and explore this often-unconscious sensory perception in a tangible and interactive way.
“Electricity is fundamental to life, shaping interactions in ways we are only beginning to understand,” she said.
One feature shows how flowers produce a negative charge that attracts positively charged bees, helping with pollination and letting other bees know the flower’s been visited.
“This work challenges assumptions about perception, sensory boundaries and interspecies communication – reminding us that existence is profoundly interconnected.”
The exhibition takes its name from the Latin phrase meaning ‘that which belongs to all’, reflecting Sanderson’s exploration of non-human perspectives and the shared, yet often unnoticed, forces that link species.
MAP, mima Curator David Rastas said the immersive exhibition would bring a truly unique experience to the space.
“I’m excited about this exhibition — not only does it explore a rarely discussed theme, but it does so in a way that feels fresh and original,” he said.
“Sanderson’s work includes installation, soft sculpture, film and a mix of new and traditional technologies with an original sound composition which completely wraps visitors into the space.”
Sanderson is a graduate of Newcastle Art School, where in 2022 she was awarded ‘Outstanding Achievements in the Arts’. This award came with the opportunity to participate in a MAP mima residency.
Her work has been displayed at the Art in Your Community space in the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, and she was a finalist in the Lake Art Prize 2022.
The exhibition, which features musical performances by artists Zeal.H and Tim Merrikin, will be on display until Sunday 1 June 2025.
For more information, head to arts.lakemac.com.au.
