Artist Residency In Parenthood – Group Show

Lenine Bourke wanted to engage artists who are parents with identities and  experiences to undertake self-managed residencies in their own parenting context.   Inspired by USA based Lenka Clayton, the creator of Artist Residency in  Motherhood, this 4 month experiment in Clayton’s concept has resulted in a very  active online group and a series of works which will be exhibited at 107 Projects.   Some of these works have been exhibited prior with a renewed analysis and others  are at an early stage of development. 

The artists include Tim Bishop, Lucy Mendelssohn, Nina Ross, Alicia Miller, Emma  Che Raethke, Holly Waters, Clare Rae, Claudia Phares, Melly Niotakis, Bronwyn  Glover, Kim Bowers and Lenine Bourke, with support from Claudia Chidiac and  Stephanie Springgay. 

These artists are pressed for time, resources and child friendly studio and rehearsal  spaces, so have utilised a social residency grounded in the daily reality of parenting.  The artistic context of being parents is their site for incubation, developing their  work or new ideas about their work.  These works reflect the political, cultural,  environmental and economic dynamism that derives from parenting.  From parks, to kitchens, joint art works and musical jams, the children of these  artists are present in the work. The works reflect various elements of the parenting  context, each work sharing a different experience and perspective. From birth place  politics, to isolation, gender diversity, the impacts children have on our climate and  the human body.

The exhibition insights some interesting considerations for  contemporary parenthood and artist led practice.  This project was an opportunity to create a national network of parent artists.  Creating an online site for sharing the ongoing complexities of each artist’s creative  process, rather than the challenges of parenthood.  Addressing barriers in the  industry for parents to continue their artistic practices.  The exhibition includes photography, installation, sound and video art, sculptural,  live and text based works. 12 independent artists from Melbourne, Sydney and  Brisbane have been supporting each other to create work that reflects this  particular time in their lives. This includes working through the changes to their arts  practices, which comes with accommodating the addition of small human beings in  their lives. 

This is the first Artist Residency in Parenthood show and the group hopes to include  more artists creating, expand the network and show more work. If you are  interested please email lenine@thewalkingneighbourhood.com.au 

For Lenka Claytons work please click here.  

Panel Discussion Saturday 6th feb 10:30am -12:30 pm

Opening Wednesday 3rd February, 5-7pm

Exhibition continues until Sunday 14th February

Gallery open Tuesday–Saturday 11am–6pm | Sunday 11am–4pm