As a reoccurring motif in Hubbard's work, the horse for her epitomises a focus on the dynamics of training, submission and the aesthetics of sentimentality.
In previous works, toy horses and confectionary eyeballs are tried and tested, subjected to acts of duress such as teetering, submerging and excising. Sometimes domestic furnishings are collapsed into sculptural collages suggesting compression and intimacy.
As part of an ongoing series with her seminal video Hack, 2006, followed by Dead Still, 2010and Dead Still Sofa, 2014, Hubbard's new work Dead Still Standing, 2014 presents a rubber horse upstanding and ready for action juxtaposed with Coalbrookdale chairs and table. Conceived both in reference to the historical context of the horse's role in the golden era of the 1850s, as well as its contemporary counterpoints in pony clubs and horse racing, Dead Still Standing is a significant sculptural work that draws upon Hubbard's memory of events collapsed and precariously balanced.
Lou Hubbard began her career in film and television where she worked as a writer, director and producer of documentaries, drama and experimental works for the Australian Film Commission, Film Victoria, SBS and the ABC. She has been exhibiting since 2000 in solo and group exhibitions across Australia and internationally.
Listen to Lou Hubbard speak about her work (mp3, 6:55 min)
Image: Lou Hubbard, Dead Still Standing, 2014 latex, polystyrene, Coalbrookdale patio chair, table & bench seat, skate board and plastic dog Collection: Federation University Australia Winner: Guirguis New Art Prize 2015