Gabrielle Bates
Artist Bio
The art practice of Gabrielle Bates has evolved over 30 years into an immersive investigation of how we occupy, understand and enchant place.
In 2007 Gabrielle undertook a year long residency in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which led to subsequent residencies in Penang, Manila and Australia. These experiences introduced her to more community-inclusive approaches to cultural production, as well as prompting her masters research into Witchcraft, ritual and creative activation.
In Australia, Gabrielle’s art works have been selected for highly regarded award exhibitions, she has received numerous commissions, and produced 13 solo exhibitions. Gabrielle also runs Cloudbough Residency in Kandos, regional NSW for creative and cultural producers.
Artist Statement
The Urban Totems are ritual objects produced during a year long community engagement process with the place known as Camperdown Park. The park is not only alive with people enjoying recreational facilities; it is filled with indigenous critters, ancient spirits and deep layers of history. Through active listening, learning and prolonged periods of time spent in the park, the Urban Totems became a creative response to these living elements using recycled materials and paper mache. Toward the end of the process, they became a central part of a live procession and dance performance called Dub Circle in held in November 2019. The Urban Totems were produced on Gadigal Land.
Official website: https://gabriellebates.com/