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MEET THE ARTISTVictoria Henderson

Find out more about David Charles Collins and his artwork

When I started researching the topic I realised how deeply ingrained

it is in Australian culture and how much harm it causes.

What motivated you to produce your artwork?

I was thinking about the harm I’d seen happen among friends and people I knew as a result of binge and risky drinking. When I started researching the topic I realised how deeply ingrained it is in Australian culture and how much harm it causes.

Did your initial idea change during the art making process?

Definitely! Originally, I thought about making a sculptural piece comprised predominantly of religious motifs, however, the more brainstorming and research I did the more I realised there was going to be a more efficient way to convey the messages intended in keeping with time and size constraints.

If you were to choose one artist that had the greatest influence on your piece, who would it be and why?

I was greatly influenced by Perth born artist David Charles Collins, especially his series Ballad of the Sleeping King and Your Dead Gods Loved You.

How did you decide on your choice of materials?

After deciding on a 2D medium, I started taking some photos to act as reference images. After I started experimenting in

Photoshop I decided digital media was a medium I felt confident working with.

What advice would you give future Art students who are keen to exhibit their work in shows like Pulse Perspectives? What advice do you have for teachers?

To future students I would say make sure you plan your artwork timeline! It takes away a lot of stress and helps ensure you won’t be pulling (too many) all-nighters in the lead up to due dates.

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Victoria Henderson Oi! I’m not underage, I’m Australian! 2019. Perth Modern School.

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MEET THE ARTISTVictoria Henderson

Why is art and creativity important at times of uncertainty and change?

Art is so important right now, both as an outlet for expressing ourselves, and as a means of documenting these strange and confusing times.

Expressing creativity is a healthy coping mechanism and can be very calming for some.

In what ways do you think art influences how you feel about yourself, and how you connect to others?

I think art helps us to feel more connected to ourselves as it gives us a chance to freely express our thoughts and feelings. It’s a way we can process our thoughts visually.

Although we may be social distancing for now, we are so lucky to be able to connect with others through digital platforms, and it can be reassuring to see others sharing their art which you may be able to relate to.

What career path are you embarking on, and has The Arts impacted your choice?

I’m currently studying Fine Art at Curtin. I’d love to end up in some kind of arts management or curatorial role, but for the moment I’m happy focusing on furthering my art skills and understandings.

What do you feel young people need from AGWA at this time of rapid change while galleries are physically closed?

Ways to feel connected and meet likeminded people - maybe through online workshops and social media discussions?

ABOUT THE ARTS

I think art helps us to feel more connected to ourselves as it gives us a chance to freely express our

thoughts and feelings.

Is there a song, book, memory, feeling, artist or state of mind that inspires your practice that might support other artists to create at home?

I vividly attach memories of people and important events in my life to specific songs. Whenever I’m looking for inspiration, I shuffle through my playlists until a song comes on that reminds me of something I feel like documenting.

Victoria Henderson Oi! I’m not underage, I’m Australian! 2019. Perth Modern School.

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MEET THE ARTISTVictoria Henderson

Oi! I’m not underage, I’m Australian! Digital print on paper.

Oi! I’m not underage, I’m Australian! explores our societal acceptance of underage and risky drinking by dismissing it as being a characteristically ‘Aussie’ activity.

By appropriating four iconic Australian works, using recognisable elements and overlaying them with staged quintessentially ‘Aussie’ drinking situations, I’m hoping to draw awareness to our acceptance of self-destructive behaviours ingrained in our culture and encourage individuals to reconsider why such actions should be considered acceptable.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Victoria Henderson Oi! I’m not underage, I’m Australian! 2019. Perth Modern School.

Victoria Henderson Oi! I’m not underage, I’m Australian! 2019. Perth Modern School. Rotate 90O to view.

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Art Journal (1) accompanying Victoria Henderson Oi! I’m not underage, I’m Australian! 2019. Perth Modern School.

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Art Journal (2) accompanying Victoria Henderson Oi! I’m not underage, I’m Australian! 2019. Perth Modern School.

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Art Journal (3) accompanying Victoria Henderson Oi! I’m not underage, I’m Australian! 2019. Perth Modern School.

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Art Journal (4) accompanying Victoria Henderson Oi! I’m not underage, I’m Australian! 2019. Perth Modern School.

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Art Journal (5) accompanying Victoria Henderson Oi! I’m not underage, I’m Australian! 2019. Perth Modern School.

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Art Journal (6) accompanying Victoria Henderson Oi! I’m not underage, I’m Australian! 2019. Perth Modern School.

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Art Journal (7) accompanying Victoria Henderson Oi! I’m not underage, I’m Australian! 2019. Perth Modern School.

Art connects us with ourselves,each other, and the world.

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