Inspired by childhood memories and family tales, Adelaide-based artist Brianna Speight has taken up residency in Mount Gambier for three weeks to research and create work for her first solo exhibition in Adelaide in April. Brianna will host a photography workshop for children at the Main Corner later this week.
Local artist Jo Fife and the Thumbprint Collective out the Chapel Studios have mentored the young artist, who is currently exploring generations of women in her family who were based in the Limestone Coast region.
“Brianna is deeply interested in generational inheritance, with personal memories of holidaying in the region and a fascination with the unique landscape of the region. She is seeking out the familial and familiar stories held in the history of the Limestone Coast,” City of Mount Gambier Arts and Culture Development Officer Serena Wong said.
Old family photos, articles from The Border Watch and oral history passed down from her resident aunty will inform and intertwine with photography in Brianna’s art making process during her residency.
“Brianna was awarded the Undergraduate Award for Excellence in 2018 from the Helpmann Academy and has used this momentum and a grant awarded to her from Carclew Youth Arts to use her photography practice to reconnect with the region and present a children’s workshop.”
In collaboration with the Riddoch Art Gallery, Brianna will present a photography workshop Self-Portraits with a Twist for children aged between 5 to 12 years old on Friday 18 January 2019 at 10:00am at the Main Corner.
"Connecting her contemporary art practice with a passion for working with children, this workshop offers children and their families a delightful experience."
This is a great chance for kids to get creative and learn more about photography. They will stage a scene and use a combination of costuming and creativity to turn their hand into a flipper, or a foot into a tail of a fantastical creature. - City of Mount Gambier Arts and Culture Development Officer Serena Wong
The cost of the workshop is $10.00 for materials. Call the Main Corner to book on (08) 8721 2563.
Following her residency, Brianna will spend a week in South End to explore underwater photography as she continues to generate new work for her upcoming solo show.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 8721 2401 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
