Concerto for Untuned Necklaces

Concerto for Untuned Necklaces was produced as part of the Clink6 group exhibition, held at the Grainger Museum as part of Radiant Pavilion; Melbourne Contemporary Jewellery and Object Biennial, 7–15 September 2019. The works in this exhibition responded directly to the archive of the life and work of Australian composer Percy Grainger held in his namesake museum. the exhibition won the People’s Choice Award at Radinat Pavilion 2019.

Concerto for Untuned Necklaces is a series of welded steel objects suspended by stainless steel cords. Each can be worn as a necklace, or, when hung together, act as a surreal musical instrument. This work drew particular inspiration from Grainger’s inventiveness, both in composition terms through his so-called ‘Free music"‘, and also from his own developments in creating musical instruments in partnership with Burnett Cross. Each piece is painted with a distinct pattern inspired by Grainger’s love of fashion and the clothing he himself designed and made.