Experience transformation through colour and sound in this powerful, vibrant installation by Anna Nangle composed of one thousand coloured squares. Far more than just a painting, this piece spatialises an ancient Indian Sanskrit prayer, transforming the text into an immersive diagram of light and colour. While its geometric precision echoes the famous minimalist colour field painters of the 1950’s (like Sol LeWitt and Ellsworth Kelly), its true purpose is deeply spiritual. The work aims to create a sacred space, much like traditional Indian tantric paintings, where visitors can find inner peace, reconcile conflict and achieve a profound sense of self-awareness.
The analogue synth soundtrack created by Mark Nangle and the two spoken word monologues accessible vis QR code form a connection between the auditory and visual elements of the work in a similar way that mantras (sacred sounds) are combined with yantras (mystic diagrams) in Indian spirituality.
The installation was initially made as part of the process of healing from the trauma of the 2019/20 Shoalhaven bushfires. In painting 1000 different coloured squares, Anna Nangle found comfort connecting to the meditative state beyond thought that occurs when the individual self merges with the universal. The guided mediation that accompanies the work allows the viewer to connect to the same generative and life sustaining universal forces.
There is a reading table with the following texts and a perspex audience response box.
The Body Keeps the Score. Bessel Van Der Kolk.
Milkman, Anna Burns.
Interaction of Color, Josef Albers.
The October Colouring-In Book, David Batchelor.
Yantra, The Tantric Symbol of Cosmic Unity, Madhu Khana.
Grids, October, Vol 9, Rosalind Krauss.
Exhibition Video
About the Artists
Anna Nangle is a visual artist whose work is situated within the expanded field of post-studio practice that includes participatory and site-specific art. She creates performative environments and installations that include film, video, photography, spoken word, sound and journey making. In 2018, while at UNSW she was selected as a finalist in the Tim Olsen Drawing Prize and was a recipient of the Deans Medal for Excellence. She is currently studying an MFA at the Belfast School of Art.
About the Curators
Anna Nangle
Supporting Materials
Education KitInstallation Support AvailableInterpretative / Didactic PanelsInvitations or Invitation TemplateLabelsPublic Program OpportunitiesPublic WorkshopsSignage
This exhibition was created with assistance from Create NSW and The Shoalhaven Arts Board.
Please note NETS Australia is not responsible for any content appearing on these pages. Whilst consultation is made with applicants to the National Exhibition Register, NETS Australia Inc accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage arising out of any arrangement, agreement, contract or working relationship established through the use of the National Exhibition Register. However every effort has been made to ensure that the images appearing on these pages are correctly attributed and that the relevant copyright permission has been sought.
NETS Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
