Mari Hirata - If the Shoe Fits
30 Apr - 18 May
Mari Hirata's exhibition "If the shoe fits" comprises photographs from three series; Sacred Ties (2006), Domestic Bliss (2007) and Kutsu Katachi or 'Shoe Shapes' (2008). Hirata's works address themes of personal identity, and trans-cultural experiences. She explores symbols of her own identity by combining traditional Japanese costume with fundamentally Australian icons, such as the Hills Hoist.
Hirata's themes are translated visually to her photographs. Her compositions are structured around Japanese notions of balance and symmetry, and are characterised by an iconic use of red, white and black.
Shoes form a recurrent theme throughout Hirata's three series. They are mostly mundane white bridal high-heels, repetitively used to explore stereotypical notions of femininity. At times, though, they appear exquisitely patterned and ornamental, simultaneously symbolising expectations of women as fetishised objects of desire.
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Sacred Ties series 2006: edition of 10
Domestic Bliss series 2007: edition of 10
Kutsu Katachi series 2008: edition of 10