Photography courtesy of Nayndng Mayen
‘Practicing Utopias’ results from a dialogic writing approach unpacking the ongoing pandemic and state of crisis with artists. Amid lockdown restrictions, they connected to address questions about the practice of reimagining and collectively envisioning other forms of future thinking and making in such devastating times.
What does it mean to creatively engage with others during confinement? What shape does community and collective care take today? What is art’s place in making, creating and practising utopias?
This book chapter will be part of ‘The World we Want: Dystopian & Utopian Impulses in Art Making’ produced by RMIT CAST – Contemporary Art and Social Transformation.
THE PARTICIPATING ARTISTS ARE:
Bigoa Chuol
Bruno Catalán
Host and facilitator during this project, Bruno is a Chilean arts worker-researcher living on the lands of the Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. Current Community and Cultural Development Officer at Arts Gen.
Gabriela Georges
Born and currently living on the land of the Woiwurrung and Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation; Gabriela is a daughter, sister, aunty, musician, writer, performer, and an all-round curious human being.
John Mashar
John is a South Sudanese Australian spoken word artist and filmmaker living in the Woiwurrung and Narrm/Birraranga (Melbourne). John is passionate about telling untold African stories.
Sophia Cai
Curator and writer. Born in China, Sophia migrated to Australia with her family as a child, and currently works and lives in Narrm/Birraranga (Melbourne).