Aptos Cruz: Life is about to change

The gallery’s co-director Steve Ronayne describes the Life is About to Change exhibition as “a survey, rather than a comprehensive of what’s happening in design. It’s a snapshot of what’s being designed and manufactured in Australia today.” A majority of the designers featured in the event are internationally renowned, award– winning creatives, including Adam Goodrum, Kate Stokes, Damon Moon, Christian Hall, Jon Goulder, Ross Didier, Takeshi Iue and Deb Jones. The work of Liam Mugavin, an emerging furniture designer, will also be included. He recently won the Clarence Prize for Excellence in Furniture Design. The $20,000 acquisitive prize is a prestigious award for designer/ makers in Australia. Addressing a central theme, ‘life is about change’, the exhibition speaks to the evolution of design as always being in motion, recognising that the only constant is change. Ronayne says that “even classic pieces of furniture are reinterpreted, design is a continuum”. As proponents of Australian craft, Aptos Cruz is keen to accumulate a body of work that represents a diverse range of perspectives on design, and are quick to note that while this showcase features local and national designers, they have been selected not just because they are Australian, but rather because they are examples of design excellence. Furniture design, lighting and homewares will be on show, including pieces that have yet to be released here. Work from the JamFactory will also be shown as examples of great local design. The uniqueness of JamFactory, as a creative hub which supports ceramicists, glass artists, jewellers and furniture makers, is an important inclusion for the event. It is evident that one of the aims behind the showcase is to support a culture of collaboration highlighted within the 2015 FAD program. “I like the way the DIA, the Institute of Architects, industrial designers and landscape architects are all working together,” says Ronayne. “There have only been a few real collaborations before now, and I think it’s great.’ Over the last few years, Adelaide’s awareness of design has increased. This has been felt by arbiters of design, including Aptos Cruz. “People are more knowledgeable through the internet and more generally the media,” says Ronanyne. “This is something that is new for us, it used to be only a few architects. The interest and enthusiasm for design is growing.” New Australian product releases are undoubtedly one of the most popular subjects for design enthusiasts who have visited Aptos Cruz over the years. This year’s inclusion in the FAD program promises to bring a new, engaged and passionate public audience to the six–week event. Coming together in this way is demonstrative of South Australia’s unique advantage: its small scale, which allows the brands represented by Aptos Cruz to be collected together in one holistic presentation of contemporary Australian design. This exhibition is an opportunity to explore the value of design consideration. What is perhaps most effectively at play is the accumulative effect of gathering contemporary design artifacts together through one platform in order to represent the best offerings Australia can put forward. Indeed, what a fine offering it looks to be. Life is About to Change Aptos Cruz, Stirling Thursday, October 8 to Monday, November 16 aptoscruz.com