Maria Simonelli
The “Make Light Not War” project creates pieces that challenge perpetuating myths surrounding the acceptance and integration of renewable energy technology into our daily lives. Given the clear science on climate change, the pieces aim to connect people to the potential and the optimism that this technology provides.
The pieces use remnant and organic materials that were destined for the waste stream. It also integrates efficient lighting and solar chargers into their design. Each piece displays both energy creation as well as utilising the energy it captures, creating a self-sustaining process.
The aim is for the pieces to have a sculptural presence, that emphasise the curvaceous form of the palm fronds, with the light adding a subtle ethereal feeling. The ultimate goal is to promote their natural aesthetic nature, the potential of the solar technology and create conversations about sustainability.
About Maria
Maria Simonelli is an artist and environmental advocate whose practice is deeply informed by her concern for the planet and the urgency of sustainability. Over her career, she has observed the evolution of the environmental debate and the increasing awareness of the drivers of ecological change, which has shaped her work and imbued it with a sense of immediacy and purpose.
Simonelli believes that the arts, in all its forms, can serve as a powerful catalyst for social change. Through her work, she engages viewers in conversations about overconsumption, sustainability, and our relationship with the natural world, offering space for reflection and understanding amidst the noise of conflicting information.
A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, Simonelli has exhibited widely across Australia. Her achievements include receiving the Lighthouse Art Award and recognition for Best Use of Non-Traditional Materials at the Jindivick Sculpture Exhibition. Through her practice, she continues to explore the intersection of creativity, advocacy, and social impact.