Fabulations (2022-23) was a Creative Occupation Collective exhibition that took place in two phases and showcased a variety of mediums, including sculpture and performance art. The first phase of the show was held at the Third Space Gallery + Digital in Geelong, Australia and was curated by Marita Batna. During this phase, the development of the sculptures was led by Michael Morgan and Jennifer McElwee, while Ingrid Petterson and Jessica Laraine Williams provided a throughline in their performance contributions. The first phase ran from November 25, 2022 until January 13, 2023, with a closing ‘performance-ritual’ on the final day.
“Requesting clearance for takeoff from Tyabb Airport. Headed for Saigon, Tan Son Nhat International Airport, flight level 350. Wind is 270 degrees at 15 knots.” “Cleared for takeoff on runway 36. Wind is 270 degrees at 15 knots. Safe travels.” “Climbing to flight level 350.” “Roger that. Please keep us updated on your progress.” “Passing through flight level 200. All systems are functioning normally.” “Copy that. Please continue to monitor your instruments and maintain a safe flight level.” “Level at flight level 350. Beginning descent in approximately 2 hours for approach to Tan Son Nhat International Airport.” “Roger that. We have received your flight plan and have you on radar. Please continue to keep us updated on your descent.” “Requesting descent to flight level 310 for approach to Tan Son Nhat International Airport.” “Cleared for descent to flight level 310. Proceed with caution and maintain a safe altitude.” “Descending through flight level 290. ETA to Tan Son Nhat International Airport is now approximately 45 minutes.” “Copy that. Please continue to maintain a safe descent and let us know if you need any further assistance.” “Level at flight level 310. Beginning final approach to Tan Son Nhat International Airport runway 17R.” “Cleared to land on runway 17R. Wind is currently 270 degrees at 15 knots. Please use caution upon landing.” “On the ground at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Requesting taxi to gate 35.”
-Flight Plan Soundscape 2023, Jessica Laraine Williams
After the show’s run at the Third Space Gallery, it reopened for a second phase on the 27th of January, 2023 at Queenscliff South Pier Lifeboat Shed, a historic building located in Queenscliff, Victoria. The shed had been built in the late 1800s to house the Queenscliff Lifeboat, which was used to rescue ships in distress off the coast of the Bellarine Peninsula. The lifeboat station had been in operation until the late 1970s, when it was decommissioned and the building was used for various purposes, including as a museum and art gallery.
The opening event for the second phase included the performance entitled ‘Morrígan Imprinted’, which featured Williams and Petterson, as well as a film screening of Donna Haraway’s “Storytelling for Earthly Survival.” The film screening provided an opportunity to engage with issues of climate change and sustainability through the sharing of personal stories and experiences. By fostering a sense of connection and community, the film aimed to inspire individuals to take action in their daily lives and work towards creating a more sustainable future.
The Morrígan is a significant figure in Irish mythology, known for her associations with war, death, and sovereignty. Often depicted in the form of a crow or raven, the goddess is revered for her powers of prophecy and divination, and is believed to be present at key moments in the lives of kings and chieftains. In some traditions, the Morrígan is depicted as a single goddess who takes on the form of a crow, while in others she is represented as a trio of deities representing different aspects of the same being. The Morrígan is closely associated with themes of death and the afterlife, both in terms of predicting the outcome of battles and in guiding the spirits of the deceased to the Otherworld. The symbolism of the crow or raven, often associated with the goddess, reflects this connection to death or figurative rebirth. In this performance, her character is focused around female agency and an optimistic resistance to preconceived lineages of history.
With thanks to the incredible Creative Occupation team:
l-r: Ingrid Petterson, Stephen McElwee, Jennifer McElwee, Marita Batna, Michael Morgan
Jessica Laraine Williams 