Listen "Elizabeth Day: Unraveling Trauma Through Art and Activism"
Episode Synopsis
In episode 20, we sit down with renowned Australian artist and activist Elizabeth Day. Known for her inventive use of materials such as unraveled textiles, grass casts, and even chewing gum, Elizabeth shares her meandering career path from traditional painting, to working with inmates, to large-scale installations that address themes of migration, trauma, and social change.Tune in to hear about:• Her unique approach to textile-based installations• Public art projects addressing Indigenous histories and social issues• Transforming everyday materials into impactful works• Processing personal and collective trauma through art• Upcoming projects, including a retrospective exhibitionThis conversation offers a deep dive into Day’s artistic philosophy, her commitment to activism through art, and her advice to emerging artists. Perfect for anyone seeking insights into socially engaged art practices and innovative material use.Elizabeth Day is based in Sydney, Australia. You can find out more about her work on her website https://elizabethday.art/ and on her Instagram @elizabethday28 https://www.instagram.com/elizabethday28/ 02:42 Migration and Family Background05:05 Art Education and Early Influences06:14 Exploring Installation Art09:54 Life in London and Artistic Awakening11:39 Return to Australia and First Installations16:26 Prisons and Social Issues21:51 Unravelling and Textile Art23:22 Chewing Gum Paintings and Activism26:28 Site-Specific Art and Public Spaces27:27 Material Choices and Sustainability28:13 Textile Art in the Contemporary Scene31:49 Grass Casts: A Unique Medium33:48 Liverpool, Liverpool: A Tale of Two Cities37:51 Studio Spaces: The Struggle for Artists44:51 Processing Trauma Through Art49:21 Current Projects and Future AspirationsElizabeth is exhibited by Mais Wright gallery: https://www.maiswright.com/artists/elizabeth-day/You san see her work in person in “Dreams Nursed in Darkness” at Woollongong Art Gallery until 24 November 2024: https://wollongongartgallery.au/wag-exhibitions/dreams-nursed-in-darkness Also mentioned in this episode:Cementa Festival: https://cementa.com.au/ | https://www.instagram.com/cementafestival/ Anton Holzner: https://www.artnet.com/artists/anton-holzner/Greenham Common: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenham_Common_Women's_Peace_CampSydney College of the Arts: https://www.sydney.edu.au/arts/schools/sydney-college-of-the-arts.html | https://www.instagram.com/artss_sydney/ Rose Ann McGreevy: http://roseannmcgreevy.blogspot.com/ Barbara Halnan: https://www.articulateprojectspace.org/project/22-03-W Robert Smithson: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/smithson-robert/ Long Bay Correctional Centre:
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