Nikki Willson (she/her) is a photographer, new media and video installation artist, who recently exhibited her work at Yarra Sculpture Gallery. She participated in AAV's Mentoring Program.
What kind of art do you make?
Digitally manipulated, collaged and painted photography and video installations that explore bodily memory and the construction of identity in the context of short and long term memory loss.
How long have you been making art?
I graduated art school in 2003 and have been a practicing artist over the 20 years since.
Searching for closure. Double exposure capturing movement and ephemerality. Photo by Nikki Willson.
What kind of art have you made in the past?
I was trained as a sculptor however I then moved into painting and photography. I was eventually able to combine both disciplines digitally which has been very fulfilling.
What art are you working on right now?
I have just finished a body of work which included a 12 minute single channel video loop and a series of digitally manipulated photographs. This work focused on bodily memory and the construction of a fragmented yet coherent self when memory is lost. I am now starting filming for a new work exploring concepts of dissonance, dissociation and the meaning of connection.
The Act of Becoming. Exploring the alchemical power of light. Photo by Nikki Willson.
What are you looking forward to?
I am excited about the new work I am developing. I have spent quite a lot of time developing and rehearsing the work with the dancer (Jasmine Susic) and am both nervous and filled with anticipation about how the subsequent video and imagery will work out. Whenever I do a video work I also do a photographic shoot connected with the dance and movement that I am working with. In that way I can complete it only that body of work but it also serves to generate a lot of material for future work.
Do you have any comments or thoughts about your AAV program?
The mentorship program has been wonderful. My mentor (David Rosetzky) has been an essential sounding board and has encouraged me to expand my artistic practice and build confidence as an artist.
Learn more about AAV’s Mentoring opportunities here.
Find more of Nikki’s work on her website. Follow her on Instagram, @nikkiwillson.
