India Collins

Unchartered Pulse 2024

Reclaimed marine debris, various plastics, netting, rope and found objects, LED lights, and acrylic paint
300 x 1000 x 100 cm

About the Work

Unchartered Pulse represents a cluster of jellyfish-like creatures, whose unique adaptations and abilities enable them to survive and thrive in extreme oceanic conditions. The work explores our instinctive drive to navigate life’s unpredictable currents, embodying the relentless rhythm of resilience in moments of flow and resistance.

Crafted from reclaimed marine debris and recycled materials, India Collins’ work reflects the beauty that emerges from fragments or discarded materials, a symbol of power and adaptation.

Suspended and illuminated, Unchartered Pulse responds to natural forces such as wind and light. Its nonlinear form represents the often-chaotic paths we follow, which are shaped by an internal, unyielding beat that drives us forward, despite obstacles.

India frequently employs existing materials and incorporates solar-powered lighting, utilising methods that minimise environmental impact and contribute to the circular economy and environmental sustainability. Ultimately, her work encourages us to reflect on our responsibility to preserve the planet while celebrating its beauty.

About the Artist

India Collins is a contemporary artist based in Cairns. Born and raised in Canada, she completed her Fine Arts studies in Montréal before relocating. Her multidisciplinary practice spans painting, sculpture, installation, and textile design, with a strong focus on integrating textile and weaving techniques into sculptural forms.

India’s work is deeply rooted in narratives that draw on the inherent histories of the materials she uses, transforming them into new and socially engaged contexts. Working predominantly with recycled materials, particularly reclaimed and discarded textiles, the artist prioritises sourcing locally and ethically to minimise the environmental impact of her practice.

Known for her large-scale sculptural works, India was the recipient of the Max Fabre Foundation Environmental Award at the 2024 SWELL Sculpture Festival on the Gold Coast. Her work has been featured in prominent public exhibitions and commissions (e.g., Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast; Cairns Airport; Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi; Ephemera, Townsville; Biennale of Australian Art, Ballarat).