Ecocide

Concern for how humanity might better understand the challenges presented by climate change and biodiversity loss, this body of work explores how to convey a new understanding of the world and our place within it by stimulating reflection and encouraging fresh discourse through the medium of the worn object.

Opening celebration night

Date: Wednesday 16 October

Time: 5 - 7pm

Assembled from small fragments of old lace, Ecocide 2023 is a series of five neckpieces whose forms are derived from the collar and whose delicate material appears wounded or scarred. Imbedded with romantic representations of nature, small sections of damaged lace have undergone the technique of copper electroforming, whereby repeated exposure to the process has resulted in the formation of organic copper growths across the surface of the fabric.

Historically associated with status, here the collars signify human control whilst the delicate lace represents a romantic view of nature that has become ‘damaged’ through electroforming. They explore how an object can hold a tension between beauty and destruction, the copper scabs or growths appearing like fascinating jewels.

The word Ecocide is derived from the Greek word “oikos”, meaning home and the Latin word “cadere”, meaning to kill, and refers to the mass destruction of nature by human beings. Actions which threaten all earth’s populations, humans and non-human, and in many cases, for generations to come. Its use in this body of work speaks to notion that by wounding the environment we are simultaneously wounding ourselves.

Image Credit: Sarah Lockey Ecocide 2024. Photo by Chris Bowes Image Credit: Sarah Lockey Ecocide 2024. Photo by Chris Bowes

Artist Bio

Sarah Lockey’s jewellery informed practice focuses on humanities relationship with the planet, and the notion of interconnectedness throughout the natural world. By engaging with found, worn and waste materials, she explores issues of climate breakdown and human consumption. Focusing on environmental concerns including the human exploitation and commodification of the natural world.

In 2023 Sarah completed a Bachelor of Fine Art (First Class Hons) RMIT University, and was awarded the Koodak Highest Academic Achievement Award.

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information