Artist in residence explores spiritual movements

Media Release 20 June 2007

Elam artist in residence explores spiritual movements and comic books

A London-based artist internationally recognised for her work with alternative spiritual movements and comic books is the current Elam Artist in Residence at The University of Auckland's National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries (NICAI).

As a writer, researcher and performance artist, 30-year-old Olivia Plender is considered to be among the most significant new artists in the United Kingdom. She combines an interest in late 19th and 20th century spiritual movements with the emergence of romanticism in religion and art. Her artistic practice often fuses romantic ideas of the artist within the realm of spiritualism, exploring ideas of belief and mysticism in contemporary art. Olivia is also a comic book artist, using the comic book as a vehicle for her research into spiritualism.

As an Elam Artist in Residence Olivia, assisted by students from Elam, will work on the installation, "The Medium and Daybreak", which recreates a spiritualist church interior using reconstructed materials from a science museum. Olivia will also perform "Strange Adventures", a reading from parts one and two of her comic book The Masterpiece. She will also participate in a public talk hosted by broadcaster Noelle McCarthy.

"Olivia's inclusion in such prestigious events as the 2006 Tate Triennal and the Becks Futures at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London reflects her status as a significant young artist, and we are delighted to host her as an Elam Artist in Residence," says Elam School of Fine Arts Head, Associate Professor Derrick Cherrie. "Olivia's self-confessed fascination with the 19th century and contemporary explorations of romanticism and symbolism promise to make her residency at Elam particularly intriguing."

Olivia Plender's public talk will take place from 6pm-6:45pm (followed by a reception until 8:30pm) on Tuesday, 3 July at the Auckland Art Gallery's Art Lounge (Corner Wellesley & Kitchener Streets). She will perform "Strange Adventures" at 6pm on Friday 6 July at the Auckland Art Gallery. Her installation, "The Medium and Daybreak", will be mounted as part of the international Mystic Truths exhibition, which runs from 30 June – 14 October at the New Gallery (Corner Wellesley & Lorne Streets).

The Elam Residency Project was established in 1999 and is made possible by the generous sponsorship of arts patron Jenny Gibbs.

Olivia Plender's Elam Artist in Residency runs from 19 June to 10 July.

The University of Auckland's National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries comprises the School of Architecture and Planning, Elam School of Fine Arts, the Centre for New Zealand Art Research and Discovery (CNZARD), the School of Music and the Dance Studies Programme.

ENDS

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