'Brain Child' Gosford Regional Gallery

BRAIN CHILDThis deceptively light-hearted body of work centers on the concept of memories and the critical affect early childhood experience has on brain development and future personalities. “Memories are building blocks forming the architecture of our lives,” says Barker of the inspiration behind the work. The 35 Brain Child sculptures have been painstakingly constructed using thousands of Cuisenaire Rods: brightly coloured wooden counting blocks that hark back to Barker's own childhood in 70s Australia.The iconic counting rods are engaged in complicated structures and manipulated in eye-popping proportion. From large balustrades to tiny counting cubes, the blocks represent neural connections and DNA formations, once again imbuing a serious concept with her characteristic air of playfulness and intrigue. Brain Child demonstrates that childhood is never history; that it is always with us.Karina Barker