Centre of the Centre, Mel O'Callaghan's new major exhibition, traces the origins of life and its regenerative forces. The catalyst for this new body of work is one small mineral given to the artist by her grandfather, renowned mineralogist Albert Chapman. The mineral contains a small pocket of water, possibly millions of years old, which holds traces of the elemental forces responsible for all life on Earth. Inspired by the geophysical conditions and potentialities held within this primordial liquid, the artist invites the audience into a total experience. The film, sculptures and performance capture the circulatory motion of breath in response to extreme environments. During a three week mission in the Pacific, Mel O’Callaghan filmed hydrothermal vents in the depths of the ocean using the submersible Alvin with the support of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Using trance induction techniques, performers will also lead visitors through cyclical breathing, either through active participation or observation potentially triggering altered states of consciousness including ecstasy. Investigating the elemental template of life on Earth, the exhibition is a celebration of collective strength through resilience.

The intention was to create two elevated preliminary spaces to incite a sense of theatrics and forum space for the installation. This was removed in later revisions to emphasise the grandeur of the premise Artspace, & direct focus on creating an open plan for ease of access.