I am a visual artist who explores the power of visual storytelling as a force for positive social change. Through my work, I challenge narratives that influence the way we think about gender and identity. I do this by retelling old stories through a contemporary feminist lens and creating new stories that have been left out of the historical register. Working collaboratively with women and community groups, I use storytelling to nurture agency and facilitate diverse authorship. I also collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers to show how creative engagements can enrich and diversify data collection. My practice combines traditional fine art skills with contemporary approaches to storytelling, encompassing online platforms and diverse modes of presentation.
I received traditional training in drawing and painting at the Julian Ashton Art School (AUS) and National Art School (AUS). I was awarded a National Undergraduate Scholarship to study Fine Art at the Australian National University graduating with First Class Honours and the Neil Roberts Sculpture Prize. During my undergraduate studies I received the Vera List New York Studio School Summer School Scholarship (USA), which allowed me to study painting and drawing in New York and complete a study tour through Italy. I went onto learn about theatrical forms of storytelling while working as a Scenic Painter for Scenic Studios in Melbourne, where I painted projects for the Australian Ballet (AUS), Commonwealth Games, Dolly Parton and Disney’s Lion King. From there I joined the scenic painting team at Opera Australia, where I worked on shows such as Carmen, La Traviata and A Streetcar Named Desire. I am currently a doctoral candidate at the University for the Creative Arts (UK) with the support of a Vice Chancellor PhD Studentship in Photography, which is generously funded by Fast Forward: Women in Photography.
I honed my research skills during years of professional experience in the museum and gallery sector working as a collections curator. I have held positions at Uplands Gallery (AUS), Amanda Love Art (AUS), the Griffith University Art Museum (AUS), Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (AUS), as well as the Museum of Australian Democracy (AUS). I was a Visiting Scholar at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art (USA). with the assistance of the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Young and Emerging Artist Fellowship. I am currently an Affiliated Researcher at the Centre for Global Science and Epistemic Justice at the University of Kent (UK), where I work as part of a transdisciplinary team investigating stem cell donation.
With the support of numerous grants and awards, my projects have been exhibited in museums and galleries internationally, including the Museum of Brisbane (AUS), Alaska Projects (AUS) and Fringe Arts Bath (AUS). My work has appeared in hard copy and digital print for publications such as Runway (AUS) and Creative Non Fiction (USA). I am actively engaged in the narrative potential of public art, having created high profile light displays and landmark sculptural installations alongside large interactive installations for commissions and touring shows. I have written long-form essays engaging the practices of prominent Australian artists, including Michael Zavros and Michaela Gleave, as well as articles for the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Australian Democracy.
My storytelling projects have been profiled internationally in hard copy print media, radio, television and online, and featured in visual art magazines, such as Artist Profile, Eyeline, Artlink and Blouin Art. They have also received coverage in newspapers, including the Guardian and the Australian. My projects have been profiled in Australia by ABC radio and on television programs such as ‘Totally Wild’ and ABC news.
Throughout my career I have accrued experience as an educator and speaker. Within Higher Education, I have lectured for the University of Canberra (AUS) and guest lectured for the University for the Creative Arts (UK), the Queensland College of Art (AUS), as well as the Australian National University (AUS). At Griffith University I designed, implemented and delivered a professional development internship program for students from the Queensland College of Art, working with each student individually to help them along their chosen career trajectory. I have worked in Further Education as a sessional tutor for Kent Adult Education (UK), the Horsebridge Arts Centre (UK) and for Friendly Faces of Kent (UK). I have presented artist talks and sat on panels for organisations including the Museum of Brisbane, Pecha Kucha Brisbane (AUS) and the Level ARI International Women’s Day Forum (AUS). In addition, I have delivered professional development workshops for secondary school art teachers for the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (AUS), along with KickArts Cairns (AUS) and through my role as a Creative Workshop Tutor for the University for the Creative Arts (UK). I have delivered secondary school workshops in my capacity as Art Industry Representative for Yeronga State High School (AUS) and run workshops for pre-school aged children for Moreton Bay City Council (AUS). I have also worked with primary aged children for Bundanon Trust (AUS) as well as for the Horsebridge Arts Centre (UK). I hold a Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training from City and Guilds London, and am currently completing my Associate Fellowship in Higher Education.
I have participated in residency programs with Bundanon Trust (AUS) and Parramatta Artist Studios (AUS), as well as the Kings School (UK) and In A Space (UK). My works are held in private and public collections internationally.
© Gideon Fisher 2024