Nothing happens in a vacuum.
“I believe that neurobiology can contribute to an understanding of aesthetics, but it cannot do so in a vacuum.” This quote from Siri Hustvedt’s Woman Looking at Men Looking at Women encapsulates the essence of my capstone project, Nothing Happens in a Vacuum. The idiom itself underscores that nothing exists independently; everything is informed by the broader context around it.
My final body of work delves into the interconnectedness of personal history, collective memory, and the female experience. This series of paintings aims to initiate a conversation between past and present, probing how time, womanhood, and memory shape individual and collective narratives. Drawing inspiration from pioneering female artists like Tracey Emin and Ingrid Pollard, I weave together text and image to create a rich tapestry of layered meanings. My work reflects on moments of life, loss, and transformation, drawing connections that oscillate between the intimate and the universal. Each piece serves as a reflection of the personal yet speaks to the larger, ongoing narrative of women’s experiences.
My artistic practice is deeply rooted in feminist philosophy, which I express through both emotive imagery and the integration of textual elements. In my series-based works, I highlight the nuances of women’s stories, experiences, and the intricate complexities that accompany them. These pieces are not just expressions of emotion, but also intellectual investigations into the cultural, historical, and social factors that shape our understanding of womanhood. By navigating these themes, I strive to create immersive and thought-provoking works that resonate on both personal and collective levels. Ultimately, my art is a call to reflect on the ways in which our individual lives are embedded in wider systems of meaning, and how those systems—whether historical, social, or emotional—inform our identities.
I acknowledge and pay my respects to the Traditional Custodians of the lands where I live and work, the Wurundjeri Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation, as well as their Ancestors. I recognise that sovereignty was never ceded, and the impacts of colonial violence continue across so-called Australia today.
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