Panoply II

2023

hand stitched using reclaimed materials and stuffing.

This is an expanded version of Panoply I and explores the needs of psychological safety in times of displacement.

funded by Arts South Australia

Images by Sam Roberts

location: Central Studios, SA

Panoply is an emergency shelter that aims to provide a place of retreat and safety in the first stage of displacement. Motivated by the uncertainty of life and a fascination for textiles and architecture, this project has been incubating for many years. This iteration of Panoply has been laboriously hand stitched over many months and utilises reclaimed fabrics and stuffing. The design elements of colour, shape, base, doors and ‘windows’ are personal to the needs of the artist with the idea that this modular approach can be adapted to the needs of different inhabitants. The main considerations are the ability to make and transport it by oneself, be able to look out but not to be looked in upon and to have multiple camouflaged points for entry/exit. These entry/exit points can also be used to join with other ‘panoplies’ to create the option of either a communal dwelling or a private one.

Panoply exhibition Ararat 2024 (above images)

images of interactive drawing walls taken at the conclusion of the three month exhibition.

visitors were invited to draw on the gallery walls in response to home and housing.

images by Kim Dearnley

 Panoply I

2021

 Panoply I is a shield. A soft, homely bubble- something to wear if or when life shifts from safety into chaos. A response to the mental health crisis arising from housing insecurity due to natural disaster or financial instability and the rising cost of living. While a lot of emergency shelters meet practical needs of weather proofness and privacy, this work responds to the emotional and psychological needs of a space. The fabrics, colours and form retain meaning and identity when the wearer has nothing else. It also provides insulation for sleeping on the ground and muffles external sounds when the hood is worn over the head. There are small viewing holes in the hood, that the wearer can look out of, but the outside can’t look into, to aid the feeling of security and safety when sleeping or waiting in unfamiliar places. 

Made for the Material Culture exhibition, curated by Marsha Golemac for NGV design week 2022.

The creation of this work was made possible with funding from Country Arts SA regional arts fund.

Photo credit images 4-6 Annika Kafcaloudis