more from Kyrgyzstan

more from Lori Kirk

The collaboration will explore typical icons that represent and symbolise a culture and country. Shaarbeck Amankulov interested in using natural materials from the local environment stems from Amankulov's cultural history. The Kyrgyzstan people where nomadic living from and within the material environment. These roots of Amankulov influence's his creative art making process and choice of materials. For this collaboration materials include leather, fur and animal bones. Amankulov's sculpture will be combined with Australian artist Lori Kirk's replications of the Australian Koala. Kirk comments on the "cheapening" of culture through kitsch products sold to the tourism market attempting to capture an aspect or memory of that country or culture. The koalas made from felt and other materials inspired by "shyraks" (felt rugs with appliqued coloured panels) 'ala-kiyiz' (pressed wool designs) and local folk art patterns while staying in Kyrgyzstan.



I will send images of work and Art Centre in Kyrgyzstan once i can track down a computer that down loads images and can read Russian.

Hello from Kyrgyzstan

An update from Lori Kirk, one of the 2006 Scholars:

Have arrived in Bishkek and starting to work on project gathering materials and preparing exhibition. Working at a studio space at the" Art centre" in Bishkek, directed by Shaarbeck Amankul.

The art centre is an organisation which consists of studio spaces and exhibition gallery's for local and international artists.The centre is interested in creating collaborations with local artists and artists from various countries. I will send more information about this organisation for other Australian artists to read on the NAVA site who may be interested .The finished project will be installed in gallery 1 of this centre in mid February 2007.

Images to come later.

Lori Kirk

Travelling Scholarship Exhibition Opening

Opening on Saturday 21st October, 3pm at Depot Galleries, 2 Danks St Waterloo.

Curated by Nick Vickers, the exhibitions feature the winners of the Freedman Foundation Travelling Scholarship for Emerging Artists, both the returning scholars from 2004 and this year’s award winners. The scholarship, which has awarded over $185,000 over the last 6 years, encourages artists to further develop their career through overseas study or mentorship programs. Initiated by well-known arts patrons, the Freedman Foundation and administered by the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA), the scholarship has supported 37 artists in its short history.

With the opening function on Saturday October 21st, Depot I will feature work by 2004 Scholars Peter Alwast, Sean Cordeiro and Claire Healy, Danielle Hastie, Sarah Jane Pell and Ahn Wells.

Depot II will feature this year’s winners Jade Boyd, Lori Kirk, James Hancock, Astra Howard and Mimi Tong.

Depot I: Wednesday 18th October - Saturday 21st October
Depot II: Wednesday 18th October - Saturday 4th November