Perth is a hotbed of talent at any given time, but now there’s a new name to add to the mix as a bright young installation artist is quickly emerging as the hottest thing in WA art. Her name is Rose Skinner and at 24 she has the world at her feet – especially with the plethora of prizes she won last year after graduating from Perth’s Central Tafe. Add the fact that she’s the recipient of Artrage’s Breadbox Gallery Inaugural Emerging Installation Artist Residency – which leads into her involvement with 3 x 3, the City Of Perth’s open air installation art project in Forrest Place this March – and it quickly becomes apparent that Skinner is riding a quick wave to success. Speaking of waves, did we mention she’ll be appearing at Melbourne’s prestigious Next Wave Festival this May…?
Skinner took some time out to shoot the breeze with Scott-Patrick Mitchell from OUTinPerth about all things arty.
What is your approach?
My approach is from an everyday aspect. I rely on my background in graphic design, so it’s very commercial orientated, but it’s also anti-commercial, so I use a lot of found objects rather than bought objects. My style is installation, but very bright and colourful and energetic.
Do you think the colour and vibrancy of your work makes it more accessible?
Definitely. I think because they are off an everyday nature people can relate to them. Empty drink bottles, flyswats, lots of toys, bubbles, flowers: they all come together in my work.
Some of your pieces – such as the giant spherical installation, The Bubble Gum Factory, which you created for the TAFE Graduation Show – seem to comprise largely of toys. Are these toys found objects as well, or are they something you have bought?
Some things I do purposely go out and collect because of the colours and it’s nice to have that new plastic feel about it. But mainly I source my work through a variety of different means. So that includes stuff that I find on the streets right through to Op Shops.
How have you found working in the Breadbox, particularly with it’s glass wall facing James Street?
Yes, it does have a fishbowl ambience to it doesn’t it? People walking past have a tendency to do a double take and then look in because the windows are quite dark. But Artrage has been just fabulous and very supportive, especially Marcus Canning (Artrage CEO).
Installation art has a large performative aspect to it. Do you find the very nature of the space is honing those skills in your work?
Yes, I guess so. Even when I was doing the Bubble Gum Factory and the work that I’m going to be doing for 3 x 3, they both contain that performative aspect. I like the fact that as people pass the work on a regular basis, they can see it progress. It isn’t just there. It evolves.
How is 3 x 3 coming along?
I’m making that piece at the moment using the Breadbox space to do so. It’s gonna be along the same lines as the Bubble Gum Factory but with a more amoebic twist. It’s gonna be a giant structure with a membrane covering it.
How have you found the experience of working with your mentor Kate McMillan during your residency?
Kate has been awesome. She has a real knowledge of what’s going on, not just here in WA but across the country also. Since I’ve left school a couple of months ago I’ve had an incredible amount of support. Along with Marcus and Jeff Khan from Next Wave in Melbourne, Kate has been just wonderful with her support.
And after Next Wave…any plans?
A group of us are planning on creating a collective which will supply affordable studio space to artists and students. We want to keep talent in this region.
3 x 3 Art in the City happens in Forrest Place with three artists creating three artworks over three days! Rose Skinner kicks the whole event off from Saturday March 8 until Monday March 10, followed by Brendan van Hek on Tuesday March 11 and then Pip & Pop from Friday March 14 until Sunday March 16. Visit www.perth.wa.gov.au for more information.
