Alta Forma

Andrea Eckersley an artist and creative practice researcher working at the intersection of painting, fashion and design at RMIT University. Primarily interested in the way the body interacts with surfaces, Andrea’s exhibition practice explores how affects and materiality are central to the realization and experience of an artwork. Andrea’s recent scholarly publications include ‘Colour as Force’ in the book Artistic Agency and the co-authored article ‘Reflections of a Deleuzian People to Come: A Conversation with Hoda Afshar in the Deleuze and Guattari Studies Journal where she is also the art editor. About Andrea’s work: “In these two works I am exploring a complex iterative process of investigating surfaces and the activation of colour, form and light. The lighting of this assemblage references Leondardo da Vinci’s Annunciation (1472c) and my recent writings on ‘Colour and Force’. Da Vinci’s Annunciation marks an important development in the history of painting whereby colour is transformed as a distinctive function of light and the modelling of form. As John Sherman (1962) writes about Colour and Chiaroscuro for da Vinci, “every form is modelled independently of colour, and every coloured object is invested with a common range of tone.” The painting on the wall in ‘Surface volume ratios’ is made from powders derived from recycled coloured textile waste. I fabricated the paint from coloured dyes extracted from the natural fibres of discarded textiles and fabrics by colleagues at Deakin and RMIT Universities. In this work the garment becomes watercolours surrounded by shapes of light such that all elements become an active part of the composition on the wall. The shaped lights, colours, forms and materials in Surface volume ratios and Ombre Inferential, relate people, garments and paintings all to each other in an exploration of the modulations of subjectivity and identity. Andrea Eckersley, ‘Surface volume ratios’, 2026 coloured textile dye watercolours, indigo, rubbings and light on wall, dimensions variable. [email protected] for the complete list of works. Photographs: Ross Coulter @countercoulter #textilewaste #textile #altaformaprojectspace

‘By Necessity’ continues this week across Alta Forma (Narrm/Melbourne) and Daine Singer (Brunswick). Exhibition Dates: 2 — 30 May. John Brooks @l00ming is a Naarm-based artist of Irish and English descent. With a foundation in weaving, he trained in materials and textile structures before expanding his practice to encompass sculpture, video, and installation. Recently, he has begun exploring ceramics, delving into the intertwined and interdependent histories of pottery and weaving. Working primarily with soft materials, he incorporates symbolism, slow craft, and digital processes to reflect on the influence of objects and materials on human experiences and the anthropomorphic qualities often projected onto non-human entities. About John’s work: Handwoven and printed textiles combine with ceramics in an attempt to trace gaps in both queer and textile history - both of which are founded on resourcefulness and collective invention and contain missing links via destruction and disintegration. Through a process of building up cloth, thread by thread and allowing woven colour interactions to emerge from behind printed negative space, archaeological objects and queer coded symbols act as markers in a non-linear timeline. These are moments of contemplation, to speculate on the origins of clay pots, the necessity of flowers as a means of communication and the origins of contemporary technology in prehistoric textile practice. [email protected] for the complete list of works. This exhibition takes place across Daine Singer (Brunswick) @dainesinger and Alta Forma (Naarm, St Kilda Road) @_altaforma_ Photographs: Ross Coulter @countercoulter #weaving #textile #altaformaprojectspace

‘By Necessity’ is now open across Alta Forma (Narrm/Melbourne) and Daine Singer (Brunswick). ‘By Necessity’ features John Brooks, Andrea Eckersley, Jacquelyn Greenbank, Leah Muddle, Dell Stewart, Meredith Turnbull and Mashara Wachjudy and explores making guided by principles of necessity including: a direct relationship to the body, and the body in space; with humour, memory and politics through image making; with repurposing, world building and ideas of sustainability. Exhibition Dates: 2 — 30 May. This exhibition takes place across Daine Singer (Brunswick) @dainesinger and Alta Forma (Naarm, St Kilda Road) @_altaforma_ ‘By Necessity’ installation view, John Brooks and Leah Muddle, 2026. Photographs: Ross Coulter @countercoulter #altaformaprojectspace #contemporarypractice #textiles

OPENING TODAY: ‘By Necessity’ opens today at Daine Singer 2-4pm. All welcome. The exhibition features artists who engage with textiles in diverse ways. It examines how the gestures of making are guided by principles of necessity including: a direct relationship to the body and the body in space; with humour, memory and politics through image making; and through compulsion, repurposing, world building and ideas of sustainability. ‘By Necessity’ presents visual art, craft and design-based practices that utilise the idea of necessity to drive and sustain practice. ‘By Necessity’ features John Brooks @l00ming Andrea Eckersley @morethanasurface Jacquelyn Fang Greenbank @jacquelynfanggreenbank Leah Muddle @leah_muddle Dell Stewart @dellstewart Meredith Turnbull @merecatu and Mashara Wachjudy @mashara This project is presented as part of Melbourne Design Week 2026 and responds directly to the themes of making for Design Futures including visual art/craft textiles as restorative social projects and circular ways of working and utilising materials. This exhibition takes place across Daine Singer (Brunswick) @dainesinger and Alta Forma (Naarm, St Kilda Road) @_altaforma_ Opening celebration at Daine Singer 2-4pm Sat 2 May. Exhibition dates: 2 - 30 May, 2026. Alta Forma is also open from 12pm today to view the exhibition there. With future event at Alta Forma TBA 💞 Artwork details: Mashara Wachjudy, various collected fabric (cotton, lace, silk; sequins and beads), 2025. Image courtesy the artist. #textiles #contemporarytextiles #altaformaprojectspace #MelbourneDesignWeek @ngvmelbourne

UP NEXT: We’ve had a short break and are excited to be back. Exhibition programming returns with ‘By Necessity’ featuring artists who engage with textiles in diverse ways. It examines how the gestures of making are guided by principles of necessity including: a direct relationship to the body and the body in space; with humour, memory and politics through image making; and through compulsion, repurposing, world building and ideas of sustainability. ‘By Necessity’ presents visual art, craft and design-based practices that utilise the idea of necessity to drive and sustain practice. ‘By Necessity’ features John Brooks @l00ming Andrea Eckersley @morethanasurface Jacquelyn Fang Greenbank @jacquelynfanggreenbank Leah Muddle @leah_muddle Dell Stewart @dellstewart Meredith Turnbull @merecatu and Mashara Wachjudy @mashara This project is presented as part of Melbourne Design Week 2026 and responds directly to the themes of making for Design Futures including visual art/craft textiles as restorative social projects and circular ways of working and utilising materials. This exhibition takes place across Daine Singer (Brunswick) @dainesinger and Alta Forma (Naarm, St Kilda Road) @_altaforma_ Opening celebration at Daine Singer 2-4pm Sat 2 May. Exhibition dates: 2 - 30 May, 2026 Artwork details: 1. John Brooks, Swamp Cabbage (process), 2024-25, silk, opaque print, polyester, puff paste, clay, cotton, wool, acrylic, wool, plastic, lurex, hi vis thread, 2. Leah Muddle, Overnighter, mixed composition textile remnants, linen, cotton, silk, poly batting, nylon and plastic zipper, 2026. Images courtesy the artists. #textiles #contemporarytextiles #altaformaprojectspace #MelbourneDesignWeek @ngvmelbourne

FINAL DAY 12-4pm Sat 4 April LIQUID featuring 7 artists exploring the transformative qualities of materials that flow, run, drip, shift, move and sometimes solidify or set into concrete forms across jewellery, sculpture, painting and installation. Vanessa Arthur @a.drifting.trove Monique Barnett @mon_ett Molly Cook @molly__cook Rebecca Odgers @aird_studio Yongping Ren @yongpingren Kate Stewart @kkksssttt Jordan Wood @jordan.l.wood Artworks: Vanessa Arthur, 4 Eva, necklace, sterling silver, brass, heat set and enamel paint, pearls, 54x10cm charms, 2025; Kate Stewart, The Vine II, bonsai wire, chrome beads, steel ball bearing, cumquat peel, nail, magnet, 60x10x5cm, 2026; Jordan Wood, Masks, Stoneware and various materials, various dimensions, 2026. Photography: Ross Coulter @countercoulter #altaformaprojectspace #contemporaryjewelry #contemporaryjewellery #objectbasedpractice

GALLERY HOURS THIS WEEK FRI & SAT 12-4PM LIQUID features 7 artists who explore the transformative qualities of materials that flow, run, drip, shift, move and sometimes solidify or set into concrete forms, traversing jewellery, sculpture, painting and installation. Vanessa Arthur @a.drifting.trove Monique Barnett @mon_ett Molly Cook @molly__cook Rebecca Odgers @aird_studio Yongping Ren @yongpingren Kate Stewart @kkksssttt Jordan Wood @jordan.l.wood Contact: [email protected] for the list of available works. Photography: Ross Coulter @countercoulter #altaformaprojectspace #contemporaryjewelry #contemporaryjewellery #objectbasedpractice

It’s the final week to experience LIQUID featuring 7 artists who explore the transformative qualities of materials that flow, run, drip, shift, move and sometimes solidify or set into concrete forms. Presenting new work by Vanessa Arthur, Monique Barnett, Molly Cook, Rebecca Odgers, Yongping Ren, Kate Stewart and Jordan Wood traversing forms of jewellery, sculpture, painting and installation. GALLERY HOLIDAY HOURS THIS WEEK THUR - SAT 12-4PM Vanessa Arthur @a.drifting.trove Monique Barnett @mon_ett Molly Cook @molly__cook Rebecca Odgers @aird_studio Yongping Ren @yongpingren Kate Stewart @kkksssttt Jordan Wood @jordan.l.wood Contact: [email protected] for the list of available works. Artworks: Rebecca Odgers, Series 2, Unseen but still present, For the Parfumerie 1, 12.5x8.5x8.5cm, 2026; Yongping Ren, Laundry, glue, watercolour, strings, 14x18.5x11cm, 2-26; Kate Stewart, Spider, bonsai wire, chrome beads, 15x10x10cm, 2026. Contact [email protected] for the list of works. Photography: Ross Coulter @countercoulter #altaformaprojectspace #contemporaryjewelry #contemporaryjewellery #objectbasedpractice

It’s the final week to experience LIQUID featuring 7 artists who explore the transformative qualities of materials that flow, run, drip, shift, move and sometimes solidify or set into concrete forms. Presenting new work by Vanessa Arthur, Monique Barnett, Molly Cook, Rebecca Odgers, Yongping Ren, Kate Stewart and Jordan Wood traversing forms of jewellery, sculpture, painting and installation. GALLERY HOLIDAY HOURS THIS WEEK THUR - SAT 12-4PM Vanessa Arthur @a.drifting.trove Monique Barnett @mon_ett Molly Cook @molly__cook Rebecca Odgers @aird_studio Yongping Ren @yongpingren Kate Stewart @kkksssttt Jordan Wood @jordan.l.wood Contact: [email protected] for the list of available works. Images: Vanessa Arthur, Wayfinder, necklace, pearls, sterling silver, 44x6cm charms, 2025. Liquid Catalogue 2026; Molly Cook, Brown Lid, resin, plasticine, caramel lid, sprite lid, Sudo Cream lid, bag, velvet ribbon, texta, 2026; Jordan Wood, Tend, stoneware, 5x9x14cm, 2026. Photography: Ross Coulter @countercoulter #altaformaprojectspace #contemporaryjewelry #contemporaryjewellery #objectbasedpractice

Only 4 more days to experience LIQUID. These artworks have flowed right into my heart and taken up a little bit of space there. Open today 12-5 (Sat 28 March) and Thur/Fri/Sat next week. Thank you to all the wonderful artists: Vanessa Arthur @a.drifting.trove Monique Barnett @mon_ett Molly Cook @molly__cook Rebecca Odgers @aird_studio Yongping Ren @yongpingren Kate Stewart @kkksssttt Jordan Wood @jordan.l.wood LIQUID, featuring artists who explore the transformative qualities of materials that flow, run, drip, shift, move and sometimes solidify or set into concrete forms traversing forms of jewellery, sculpture, painting and installation. Liquid, as a quality, is also investigated through shape, colour, line and form. In Photoshop the “Liquify” tool is a filter used to reshape and distort content by pushing, pulling and twisting to transform. Each of these practices utilise liquid qualities in physical experimentation with material but also in their methodological approaches to making, shifting meaning and resisting characterisation or boundaries of discipline and genre. LIQUID features artists who actively use liquid methodologies in making artworks that respond to theoretic, cultural and environmental concerns. Photography by Ross Coulter @countercoulter #altaformaprojectspace #objectbasedpractice #contemporaryjewelery #contemporaryjewellery

Alta Forma is delighted to present LIQUID, featuring artists who explore the transformative qualities of materials that flow, run, drip, shift, move and sometimes solidify or set into concrete forms. LIQUID presents new work by Vanessa Arthur, Monique Barnett, Molly Cook, Rebecca Odgers, Yongping Ren, Kate Stewart and Jordan Wood traversing forms of jewellery, sculpture, painting and installation. Liquid, as a quality, is also investigated through shape, colour, line and form. In Photoshop the “Liquify” tool is a filter used to reshape and distort content by pushing, pulling and twisting to transform. Each of these practices utilise liquid qualities in physical experimentation with material but also in their methodological approaches to making, shifting meaning and resisting characterisation or boundaries of discipline and genre. LIQUID features artists who actively use liquid methodologies in making artworks that respond to theoretic, cultural and environmental concerns. LIQUID until Sat 4 April, 2026. Vanessa Arthur @a.drifting.trove Monique Barnett @mon_ett Molly Cook @molly__cook Rebecca Odgers @aird_studio Yongping Ren @yongpingren Kate Stewart @kkksssttt Jordan Wood @jordan.l.wood Photography by Ross Coulter @countercoulter featuring Yongping Ren, Molly Cook, Kate Stewart, Jordan Wood. #altaformaprojectspace #objectbasedpractice

LIQUID continues in the gallery this week and runs until Saturday 4 April, 2026. Open today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday) 12-5pm and Saturday 12-4pm. Jordan Wood is an artist living and working on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Since graduating from VCA in 2007, Wood has consistently exhibited across Australia and internationally. Drawing on personal and external experience, her work seeks to collate visceral responses as caught in the body. Traversing the spaces between histories and fictions, artefacts and debris, her multidisciplinary practice questions what we conceal and allow exposed. Recent practice examines perceived failures in artmaking and other life mishaps. Material, social, intimate relationships; pressed, stretched, expanded and shifting. Tension palpable, sometimes some things need to break. Reparations can be both inadequate and ingenious. Mediums pushed to thresholds, yet still hold and still care. For a complete list of available works by Jordan contact the gallery: [email protected] Photography by Ross Coulter @countercoulter portrait courtesy of the artist. #altaformaprojectspace #objectbasedpractice @jordan.l.wood