ENCOUNTERS WITH VANUATU:
Processes and Interactions in Visual Arts
2-20 February 2009
Catherine K
Master of Creative Arts – Research candidate
This exhibition presented by Catherine Kay investigates cross-cultural interactions with Vanuatu and an artistic process for developing an on-going dialogue between artists from Pacific and non-Indigenous Australian culture.
The exhibition documents a collaborative project involving Ni-Vanuatu artists Eric and Linda Natuoivi and Australian-French artist Catherine Kay, providing a space for cross-cultural conversations. The research presents objects that move between tradition and contemporary art in ceramics and fibre.
A closing reception will be held on Friday 20 February at the FCA Gallery, Building 25, University of Wollongong at 12.30pm. The reception is open to the public and free of charge. Light refreshments will be served.
Guest speaker: Artist and Designer, Helen Kaminski
Artist Statement – Catherine Kay:
“The exhibition documents the processes of interaction as well as presenting important examples of Eric and Linda Natuoivi’s works. My artwork in the adaptation of plaited structures and photography reflects the transformation that occurred as a result of being a catalyst between two worlds. Digital images and short films address the complexities of reading artworks outside its context of production, and in the artificial reality of the gallery space. Working with Ni-Vanuatu traditional fibre artifacts changed my appreciation of textiles, and signalled the importance of such encounters for future cross-cultural projects.” Catherine Kay
Artists:
Eric Natuoivi, is a ceramic artist who works on the issue of gender equity and traditions of Vanuatu as kastom.
He incorporates wood and pig tusks in his sculptural art forms, as symbols of value and family. Eric also works as a printmaker developing wood block images, as symbols of identity in Vanuatu.
Linda Natuoivi, is a basket maker from the south island of Futuna Vanuatu. Linda creates basketry in the traditional format of her island of origin. She challenges the notion of tradition by developing new designs while working with traditional pandanus material.
The making of her baskets will be recorded in video format to demonstrate the importance of this social activity and as evidence of her identity.
Catherine Kay, is an Australian-French artist who uses mixed media, including photography, fibre and works on paper.
“The momentum of my artwork comes from my voyage as a sailor from Australia to Vanuatu, arriving on the islands from the sea, to share another journey with Vanuatu artists, geographically but also in time.
Digital images and short films address the complexities of reading artworks outside its context of production, and in the artificial reality of the gallery space. Working with Ni-Vanuatu traditional fibre artifacts changed my appreciation of textiles, and signalled the importance of such encounters for future cross-cultural projects.”
FCA Gallery
Faculty of Creative Arts
Room 25.113, Building 25
University of Wollongong
Gallery Opening Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday
Exhibition sales inquiries contact the faculty on : 02 4221 5853 or 4221 3996
Previous exhibition: Encounters in Vanuatu 7-17 October 2008
