Exhibition Description

In 2008, the average American consumed 100,000 words of information in any single day; those considered to be above average consumed far less, and the below average, consumed with American Idol, were only just considered to be culturally literate.”- Kennerth Goldçmith.

Where in the early 1900’s you might have expected to see a sign outside your local grocer, ran your eyes over the newspaper and if you were lucky enough, perhaps re-read a note from your sweetheart; today, information is all pervasive. Text is everywhere. Even as you read this, your word count rises.

Compassion fatigue, information overload, busyness syndrome, the twenty four hour news cycle, text me back, LOL, poop emoji, stop this, do that, live better, go big, stay home, be there, be present, be somebody...wonderful. Our world is full of the messages that people impart upon us, but have we forgotten what the written language is really for; to provide a voice, to ask a question, to record a legacy, to create an opportunity.

Between the lines brings our attention back to the form of the letter itself asking us to consider its purpose, its affect and how written language connects with each of us. What is truly being said, and what is being left unsaid that might in fact be of more importance..?

Hamish McMillan is a visual artist, writer and self described observer, having exhibited in various mediums here in SA and interstate. His art ranges from print, digital art and painted work through to large scale sculptural installations. With a focus on creating art designed to  provoke conversation McMillan seeks to find a question worth asking then sets about the task of mashing something together to be utterly unsalable. (or does he?) He also has a tendency to refer to himself in the third person when writing artist bios, but don’t hold that against him, against me. Join me in exploring what occurs Between the lines.