How do I know my parrot is happy?

Rosie Deacon

Rosie Deacon’s new, immersive installation HOW DO I KNOW MY PARROT IS HAPPY? draws upon familiar shapes, textures and figurines blended together to create a surreal realm in which the viewer is invited to examine the intricacies and allusory forms. 

Embedded in The Lock-Up's historical, dark and sombre spaces, the psychedelic colour patterns are formulated by an infinite process of layering and merging of different materials to produce a single final form. Biomorphic sculptural works of comical trees, wildlife and environmental details reference the flora and fauna of the artist’s time growing up as a youth in rural New South Wales. With emphasis upon three-dimensionality and tactility, deep immersive environmental installations have been a prominent conduit for Deacon to channel her memories and experiences into these sensationalised forms. 

About Rosie Deacon

Rosie Deacon was born in Nyngan, Central West Slopes and Plains, and growing up in regional communities such as Bathurst and Wagga Wagga, the artist was influenced to create a strong community engaged craft practice.

Deacon uses easily accessible materials and what may be described as ‘everyday junk’ to create pieces that blur the lines between contemporary art, craft and jewellery practice. Deacon repurposes everyday materials such as synthetic eyelashes together with things like acrylic paint, expanding foam, jewels, glittery stickers and clay. The mash up of a diversity of materials affects the meaning of the work and how an audience may interpret the idea of artists’ process.