Retro Futurism
2021
Photographic & video works
In the Retro Futurism series, 1960’s space mod trends are staged alongside contemporary mechanical devices to investigate changing ideas of futurism. The artist programmed a collaborative industrial robot to perform domestic, assistive tasks, including painting her in kitsch makeup. The stock photography style and vacant, awkward staging push the boundaries of utopian and dystopian discourses on technology to suggest the absurd nuances of our futurist dreams, ecstasies and fears.
This project was generously supported by Yarra Ranges Tech School.
Utopian haze, dissonant gaze - Mudgee Art Precinct Portrait Prize Finalist
Pet Drone #2 - Percival Photographic Portrait Prize Finalist
Mechanical Lipstick #1 - Agendo Art Award Finalist, private collection
Pet Drone #1 - Agendo Art Award Winner, private collection
Mechanical Glitter #1
Mechanical Lipstick #2, 45 Downstairs Emerging Artist Award Finalist
Mechanical Lipstick #3
Snapshot experiments
Coldrey’s photography and video works serve as snapshot experiments into connection; a woman taking her drone for a walk, a robotic arm applying her lipstick for her as she stares into the distance contemplating her day, or gifting her a bouquet of flowers bringing an electric smile to her face. These unexpected interactions may prompt viewers to reflect on the strangeness of our fears and elations about technology in the present, revealing the absurdities of connection in the ever-loaded predictions of our future relationships with them.