Body Field
7 December 2024 - 19 January 2025
Curator:
Artist(s): Olivia Chin
Location: Boadle Hall
In this exhibition, artist Olivia Chin explores the nexus between the human body and the urban and natural world. Grounded in the premise that the interior of the body can both respond to and mirror the exterior world, Olivia uses painting to document her experiences of place and identity, referencing chronic illness, dreaming, disability, pain, strength, and creativity through expressive fields of colour, gesture, and line.
The exhibition features a large-scale sculptural textile created in collaboration with young participants during workshops at Moonee Ponds Creek and Incinerator Gallery. Responding to changing attitudes towards waterways and sensory experiences of these environments, the textile reflects their collective perspectives and forms an integral part of the exhibition’s exploration of connection and place.
Special thanks to Alana, Alex, Alyse, Chloe, Claudia, Elin, Elvie, Frankey, Katya, Kayla, Max, Mysha, Rayma, Sholihah, Wanqi, Yurong, and Xinnan for their contributions.
Olivia Chin is a Naarm based multidisciplinary artist whose practice merges sculptural, textile and oil painting disciplines. Drawing from observational research, Olivia playfully departs from traditional life drawing, using gesture, intuition and colour to transport you through time, to explore imagined futures and surfaces with personalities. Her practice is informed by play, meditative deep listening to her surroundings, and exploring the tensions between materiality and time. She draws from her Australian-Malaysian-French heritage to unpack the influences of culture and memory.
Olivia graduated from a Bachelor of Fine Art in Sculpture from the National Art School of Australia in 2015, and maintains a consistent practice as an independent artist. Olivia has worked as a sculptor in film settings, and has produced several community engagement art projects. Olivia has had solo and group exhibitions across Australia.
Alyse Kent is a naturalist specialising in land care and native gardens working to enhance and preserve natural landscapes. Singing since childhood, Alyse enjoys sharing and creating music with others. She’s open to the diverse experiences life presents, continually seeking growth and learning.
Friday, 6 December, 6-8pm
The opening night, with speeches and a Welcome to Country, will be held at Incinerator Gallery alongside exhibitions Planting a garden in my head, Fireworks 2024 and Bright Sparks 2024.
For young people aged 12 - 25
Book your ticket - Workshop 1: Saturday, 19 October, 2 – 4pm
Book your ticket - Workshop 2: Saturday, 26 October, 2 – 4pm