'Can we pretend this isn't happening?' is an exhibition of artwork actively ignoring the new 'covid normal' society. A distant threat until early 2020, Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on livelihoods and been responsible for over 1.04 million* reported deaths worldwide since January 2020. Countries all over the globe, including Australia, have been forced to freeze, ordering lockdowns to defend the safety of their people. An effective 'covid safe' reality requires a consistent 1.5m distance between individuals, wearing a protective face covering in any public space, avoiding touching anything unnecessarily and constantly using soap and hand sanitiser. Most people do their part to stop the spread of the virus, aiding in the prevention of catastrophic results. Wouldn’t it be nice to feign ignorance of the State of Emergency and continue living as if nothing is happening?
Featuring the work of RMIT Fine art students personally impacted by covid 19 circumstances, Amelia Whiting, Ashleigh Serpant, Grace Assaad, Harley Kewish, Holly Cook, Joanna Gillbee, Katinka Samuel, Madeline O’Brien, Matilda Lyons and Tamara Haselroither; and delivered in an expansive selection of materials and mediums, 'Can we pretend this isn't happening?' addresses themes of the past; the people, objects and events we once could freely enjoy, and perhaps took advantage of, pre-covid 19. The exhibition is a satirical and deeply personal response to the dearly missed luxuries we used to revel in, where we would rather be and what we would rather be doing.
In other words, can we just pretend none of this shit is really happening?