Técha Noble, Jason Phu and Aemmon Sheehan have been selected as the first NSW artists to participate in the Create NSW and Animal Logic Artist in Residence initiative, where they will develop their experience, explore new ideas and create new works incorporating learned screen techniques.
The three artists will be supported with grants of $10,000 from Create NSW to complete their respective three-month residencies, which begin this month and run through to June 2020.
Aemmon will start his residency first and aims to create short films and corresponding oil paintings critiquing contemporary Australian culture; Jason to develop animation storyboards exploring the spirits, demons and ghosts of Chinese culture; and Técha to design a costume prototype incorporating projected animation.
Incoming Head of Screen NSW Grainne Brunsdon commented, “This exciting initiative is designed to help artists expand their ambitions and scope of expression by learning new and innovative screen techniques that can be incorporated into their work.
“Each artist has a unique plan for what they want to achieve from their respective residencies, so we’re really excited to see the outcomes – and who better to inform this than the incredible team at one of the world’s leading animation studios,” she said.
As well as providing professional development opportunities, Animal Logic will host a group exhibition to showcase the works of the resident artists.
Animal Logic CEO and Co-Founder Zareh Nalbandian said, “It has long been our ambition to establish an artist in residence program at Animal Logic to create a deeper engagement between our artists and the wider NSW creative community. We’re excited to welcome Técha, Jason and Aemmon to our studio, and to have Ben Quilty’s inspiring mentorship and Create NSW’s invaluable support for the launch of this inaugural Animal Logic Artist In Residence program.
“The program will offer a unique environment for artists from different creative disciplines, and with an eclectic range of ideas and artistic techniques to come together. I’m very eager to see what they all create!”
Initiative ambassador Ben Quilty was present for the announcement of the three artists and will deliver talks to the Animal Logic community during the course of the residencies.
“I think this collaboration could be ground-breaking for Australian artists. Having the support of one of the most internationally recognised creative companies will open up endless possibilities, and in particular for these three artists, who have such dynamic practice already, to be given that extra boost could be really profound,” he said.
