Ellen Johansen, Bridget Oakley-Stevens & M.G Walker: Artefacts – Incubator 2013

Opening in the Outerspace Gallery
Saturday 5 October 3 – 4.30pm

This series of works or ‘artefacts’ painted and drawn on porcelain panels invites the viewer into a whimsical world in which brush-and-ink and pen drawings of insects are integrated into fanciful and imagined circumstances. Artists Ellen Johansen, Bridget Oakley-Stevens and M.G Walker, all of whom have variously exhibited in New Zealand, Australia and the UK, have created a collaborative project together in order to periodically take time to work outside of their ‘comfort zones’, and to develop new ideas which can then be incorporated into their individual studio practices.

This collaborative process was first initiated in 2012 when Bridget, Ellen and Michael were invited to occupy a space on Waiheke Island as part of an Auckland City Council art residency initiative entitled ‘Incubator’. In an intensive 5 days they created 15 small painted and drawn works, agreeing to allow each of their own efforts to be modified, partly changed or even obliterated by the other artists. This process intentionally provided an opportunity to let go of pre-conceived ideas and ways of working, in order to be challenged in new and unexpected ways.

The second Incubator 2013 is inspired by the same interest to take ‘time out’ from their studio practice in order to be challenged by others and develop new ideas.