Studio KaaKi

FINALIST

‘A New Beginning to an Old End’

‘A New Beginning to an Old End’ is a response to the current global revolution, which is challenging the old ways and thinking of previous generations. It speaks to a present moment in time, one that we may perceive as a tipping point in history. A feeling that age-old approaches toward the issues of climate, sexism, racism and health are creating a groundswell of collective outrage. This activism is now beginning to affect change at a political level that we have never seen before. This change gives us a sense of hope.  

The tapestry design is conceived as a window to a secret garden in the SITE 1: Basement Gallery; a view to the beginning of change. An image at 1:1 scale of regrowth by acclaimed humanitarian photographer Gideon Mendel from the 2020 Australian bushfires dominates and immerses the viewer. This imagery is first recognised from afar, and it is not until you approach the piece that you see layers of protest imagery below. Protest represents the collective anger and fire needed to affect change. The green regrowth symbolises a sense of repair or resetting of the landscape, physical and political; of righting the wrong.

It is envisioned that the wool tapestry fibres would create a matte appearance, particularly amongst the shadows of the blackened tree trunks giving depth and detail. Cotton or metallic thread would be suggested for the highlights in the greens of the ferns and epicormic shoots in the foreground and pale greys to reflect light and further enhance the illumination of the work.

Kristian Kaufmehl began his career as a Product Designer in Europe, but found himself gravitating towards architecture. He returned to Australia to complete a Masters of Architecture at the University of New South Wales. After graduating, he joined the team at Daryl Jackson Robin Dyke Architects, where he worked for 9 years. Following this he was a Senior Associate at Silvester Fuller. Kristian is now a Director of Studio Kaaki. Caroline Kite is a registered architect and a graduate of the University of New South Wales. She began her professional life working for various architectural firms, most notably with Allen Jack+Cottier. Caroline is active in the architecture community through guest speaking, curating talks and exhibitions, and mentoring with UNSW, USYD and the Australian Institute of Architects and is part of the AIA NSW Emerging Architects and Graduates Network and sits on the board for The Anganwadi Project.