2018 was a huge year for me. I am very grateful for all the support, work and collaboration that it entailed. My life can be a bag of licorice all sorts and in reflection, this year like the last few have been very full with a variety of professional activities and personal journeys. From teaching to putting on exhibitions, being on residency to photographing live performance, writing my PhD to collaborating on new projects, not to mention parenting - life is full!
It started with an incredible residency at the National University of Singapore. Making work with students, running workshops and lecturing at the College of Peter and Alice Tan was a fulfilling and inspiring experience. During my time there I also researched my ancestral past and met with relatives I had not met with before. When I returned to Melbourne I followed the residency with a solo exhibition She that came before me at Manningham Gallery of Art in Melbourne, which featured archival photographs with photographs taken from my residency.
Another highlight was being part of a national exhibition All We Can’t See to raise awareness about the situation in Nauru, which was exhibited in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide - a formidable community of people came together to be part of Arielle Gamble’s curatorial vision.
My year wouldn’t be the same without the theatre I get to witness, be part of and photograph. I feel privileged to come in with my camera just before the official opening and photograph live performance. This year was no exception, and highlights included Melancholia at Malthouse Theatre, Dybbuks by Chamber Made, Common Ground by Chunky Move, Not to mention those that ask me to help create promotional material, portraits and headshots, and brochures too… Thank you for having me along, and I can’t wait to see what 2019 brings!
2018 I curated my second group exhibition The Family Mantle, with a brilliant team of female artists of cross cultural backgrounds. Sofi Basseghi, Kati Javan, Janelle Low, Morganna Magee, Andy Mullens and Talia Smith - their work, artistic support and trust in me and my vision for the show at Bundoora Homestead was so wonderful.
The end of the year rounded out with being a finalist in the PCP Iris Award, as well as securing a residency with Punctum Inc in Castlemaine to explore new ideas around blood and identity.
My life would not be possible without my husband Paul. He is incredibly talented and hardworking, a brilliant father, and forever has time to be my sounding board, inspiration and support. And lastly our daughter Eleanor, having a small person in the world allows us to slow down a little, see the joy, and enjoy being in the moment.
Have a wonderful and safe new year’s celebration - and may 2019 bring joy!
Had fun playing with RGB lights with Joel Bray for his upcoming show as part of New Move at Chunky Move.
This show is incredibly sculptural and engaging. The two dancers Richard and Tara are phenomenal. Had a great time photographing this one. Check it out if you can.
Great session in the rehearsal room with Anouk, Richard and Tara for Common Ground at Chunky Move!