Carlton Connect Initiative"s LAB-14 Gallery presents Naturophilia by Martin King and Peter Sharp

Carlton Connect Initiative"s LAB-14 Gallery invites audiences on an immersive journey through a sculptural forest of natural forms at its new exhibition Naturophilia by Martin King and Peter Sharp, opening 22 March. Curator Dr Renee Beale has designed the thought-provoking exhibition to explore how our relationship with nature could shift over time as human-made realities and the natural world dissolve into one another. Dr Beale said: "This exhibition asks whether we will use our tools, technology and imagination to reacquaint ourselves with the natural world? Both artists show us a new way and audiences will be captivated by their work." With increasing urbanisation and technological advancement, humanity"s connection with the natural world is ever evolving. Naturophilia imagines possible urban futures replete with natural forms, and explores how we can exist harmoniously with nature. Through sculpture, painting, drawing and animation, King and Sharp provide us with unique connections to ponder and new realities to imagine. Influenced by annual journeys to the Australian desert and life on NSW"s coastal fringes, Sydney artist Peter Sharp is known for creating bold abstractions in paint, charcoal and sculpture. His works evoke the poetry of the landscape and reflect his attempts to make sense of things in the natural world. Melbourne artist Martin King is one of Australia"s leading printmakers, with esteemed collections exhibited around the globe, including the British Museum, London, NGA, and the NGV. Exclusive to the opening event of Naturophilia, (22 March, 6pm-8pm) a collaboration between King, Sharp and Phoria (an immersive media start-up), invites guests to contribute to a virtual reality experience. The emerging composer and pianist Sam Colcheedas will perform a specially commissioned piece entitled A Wayward Zephyr. This performance is in collaboration with the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music program "IgniteLab". Wine tastings of select Australian wines, including Bellarine Peninsula"s Terindah Estate, will be available, demonstrating the concept of terroir; a sense of place within the wine"s flavour that is characteristic of the environment in which the grapes are grown.