The bitch is sleeping 2020, photographed by Michael Pham, is a self portrait as Edina Monsoon (aka Eddie) from the inimitable British comedy Absolutely Fabulous. Appropriating a still from the TV series, in comedic fashion the artist is sprawled out in bed, as if utterly avoiding existence. Wearing a pink fluffy sleep mask made from a Coles cleaning cloth, and a Kmart nightie, her hair snakes out on both sides, like a figure of Medusa. Somewhere between a Gucci ad and the stay-at-home-reality of living life in lockdown, Meuwissen’s darkly humorous work explores escapist culture and the necessity for rest during trying times.
Stimulus Package
City of Darebin Public Art Project
Presented as part of FUSE Festival 2021
15th–28th of March 2021
Kay Abude, Georgia Banks, Lara Chamas, Anita Cummins, Roberta Joy Rich, Shea Kirk, Sonia Leber and David Chesworth, Louise Meuwissen, Steven Rhall, Tim Woodward.
Curated by Madé Spencer-Castle.
Emerging from the wake of global upheaval, Stimulus Package played wryly with the notion of economic stimulus, through the commissioning of 10 public artworks, presented across advertising sites throughout the City of Darebin.
Engaging with artists to consider the impact of 2020 on the fabric of their existence, Stimulus Package reflected on the ways in which we can come together as communities, to stimulate and support each other through extraordinary times.
Presented on the street and to the public, the works presented in Stimulus Package were at once deeply personal yet fiercely political, tender and compelling, humorous but deadly serious. Harnessing the vernacular of advertising, Stimulus Package prompts us to consider, how we can meaningfully engage with one another, feel connected and inspired, and bring people together in a time where we are increasingly apart?