At PICA we recognise that we are situated within the unceded lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay our respects and offer our gratitude to Elders past and present. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the importance of their care and continued connection to culture, community and Country.

Always was, always will be.

Galleries are open 12–5pm. Our exhibitions are always free.

Karen Zipkas

Free Drop In Sessions: In a Spin – Tracing a Tornado 

Free Drop In Sessions: In a Spin - Tracing a Tornado 

Every Saturday, PICA offers a free Drop In Session in the PICA Lab from 12–3pm where visitors of all ages can sit with one of our team and learn more about our hands-on artist designed activities. Our team  will share tips about art making, demonstrate various techniques and have a chat about the importance of slow making and creativity in the gallery and at home. No need to register, drop in and out as you wish.

PICA Lab has been designed by Hatched artist, Karen Zipkas—who followed the path of a tornado to create her images. Working in a dark, enclosed trailer towed behind a car, Karen used light projected from the outside world through a tiny hole to trace scenes of the destruction left behind. Using the trailer in this way, Karen created a ‘camera obscura’, a centuries-old technique used by artists to trace scenes and by scientists to study light. Discover how light and motion can be transformed into art through playful, mark-making tools.

Audiences of all ages and abilities can get creative during their visit to Hatched within the inclusive community space of the PICA Lab. This space builds on the legacy of the PICA Hub, adapted for the new venue with a focus on the intersection between art and science.  

Audiences of all ages are invited to get creative during their visit to Hatched with free art activities and materials in the PICA Lab. This inclusive community space supported by the City of Perth, builds on the legacy of the PICA Hub, adapted for the new venue. 

About the artist

Karen Zipkas is a mixed media artist based in Gippsland, Victoria, on Gunaikurnai Country. Her work explores the idea of ‘solastalgia’ – the distress people feel when their home environment is changed or damaged, especially due to climate change. Using painting, drawing, video, photography, and a large mobile camera obscura, Karen records the destruction of her local natural environment. While deeply personal, her work invites viewers to reflect on their own emotional response to environmental changes. 

Supporters

Hatched is made possible by PICA’s exhibition partner Minderoo Foundation; venue partner ISPT; and the generosity of PICA’s Art 1000 Donors. The Dr Harold Schenberg Arts Awards are made possible by funds bequeathed to The University of Western Australia by Dr Harold Schenberg.

The PICA Lab is made possible thanks to the support of PICA’s Community Engagement partner, the City of Perth.