Gabrielle Bates
Artist biography
Gabrielle Bates is interested in place, politics and esoteric practice. Over 30 years her practice has evolved into an experiential investigation of how we occupy, enchant, and relate to place. With a masters from UNSW Art & Design and a BVA from Sydney College of the Arts, Gabrielle also possesses a University Medal for Academic Achievement. In 2007 she undertook a residency at Rimbun Dahan in Kuala Lumpur, with subsequent residency placements in Penang, Manila and Australia. Her art works have been selected for numerous award exhibitions and she has produced 12 solo exhibitions to date.
These days, her creative practice is focusing more on making 'experiences'. This is due to her increasing interest in Witchcraft and its core values of immanence, interconnection and community. All artworks she now creates aim to directly engage with place, spirit and community. The results have been life-changing, as she is collaborating with different people and communities to activate and enchant public space through sound, light and performance. She couldn't be happier.
Current work and inspiration
I am working on three different projects right now. Two are performative pieces for EDGE - The Sleep Walkers (in collaboration with Kassandra Bossell, and Dub Circle: The Dark Procession (in collaboration with DJ Semper Fi). The third is an installation that addresses the personal legacy of property ownership and settler occupation in Australia.
Upcoming work
The Sleep Walkers will appear on the streets of Sydenham for EDGE on 3 and 10 August ; 'Working with the Dead' will be installed at Airspace Marrickville from 9 August; and Dub Circle will occur in Camperdown Park for EDGE Newtown on 9 November.
Website and social media links
Website: www.gabriellebates.com
Social media: @cloudbough @ecomystic @sydney_sleepwalkers