The Cicely & Colin Rigg Contemporary Design Award
Mark McDean

"I must have been about eight and Aunty Jean taught me to cross-stitch. I still fondly remember it now, red and white cotton gingham and black thread. She taught me the strawberry design and I practised it for weeks – much to the horror of my father! …
I look at a piece of fabric and I realise how loaded in significance, longing and memory it is. The ‘reverse masculinity’ of the deconstructed flannelette shirt, the pubescent significance of the candy-striped sheet and the conversation and descriptions surrounding these times come into my head, reminding me of past personal turmoil."

Mark McDEAN
born Australia 1961
Unbearable Situation #272 (detail) (2002–03)
recycled sheeting, calico, organza; photographic transfer printing and hand embroidery
133.0 x 245.0 cm
Unbearable Situation #169 (detail) (2002–03)
recycled flannelette shirting; photographic transfer print, hand embroidery, sequin and glass beading
133.0 x 224.0 cm