Changing Desire for the Unchanged

Changing Desire for the Unchanged by publista encompasses photographs printed on tussock grass and igusa (rush grass used for tatami) paper and transferred onto paperbark. The paper sheets are handmade by the artist with traditional Japanese washi paper-making technique. These photographs feature objects and concepts whose connotation and status have shifted, including the removed James Cook memorial, claims of so-called nationalism, the moon over the Sahara Desert, etc. The exhibition questions the fixation of imposed meanings, revealing how categories, values, and truths are not stable givens, but temporary constructions casted by perspective and power.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

publista (Rui Yasue) is a photographic artist born in Japan and currently based in Naarm and Egypt. Central to publista’s practice is the juxtaposition of universality and individuality, through which he examines stereotypes, identity, and power relations. Questioning the validity of perceived specificity, he invites audiences to encounter common ground with the unexpected 'other'. He localises artistic practice through photo transfer on found objects, and handmade washi paper from local plants. Since 2010, publista has exhibited at commercial and public galleries internationally.

Artist website

Image: publista, Changing Desire for Nation, 2026, inkjet print on handmade igusa and tussock grass paper, 44cm x 28cm, image courtesy of the artist.