Jodie Whalen b. 1983, Sydney, Australia
Working within a multidisciplinary practice of experimental performance and installation, with concepts informed by excavating the everyday. Whalen appropriates her own personal history and popular Western culture into symbolically-dense immersive environments combining; experimental performance and site specific Installation. Filled with liminal spaces – unresolved relationships, broken geometry, personal ritual and transitory moments. These environments are created as a site of contemplation and inward reflection for viewers. Whalen’s practice explores an interest in creating emotionally fraught environments drawn from her studio practice and an interest in ritual as a signifier of the art making process. Ritual, repetition and process – are common themes explored in her practice and given temporal form in her work.
Whalen’s installation work is designed and constructed to envelop the viewer, engaging them visually, somatically and olfactorily. Encompassing video documentation of performance, collages, sculpture and scent, these spaces become a symbolic analogue of emotion and interpersonal relationships.
Use of created aromatic scent as a combination of essential oils designed to assist in emotional states of the viewer. Relating conceptually back to the themes and motifs of the work. Previous formulas include, contentedness, self-assurance and the first stage of grief. While observing her work, the viewer inhales and literally internalize these sites and created emotional spaces.
Whalen completed a Master of Fine Arts at The College of Fine Arts in 2013. She has exhibited extensively in spaces that include; ARI’s, regional galleries, arts centres and major arts institutions. She has also undertaken several Artist in Residence programs including; Parramatta Artists Studios, Hazelhurst Regional Gallery, Goulburn Regional gallery and Firstdraft.
A selection of exhibitions and performances include; Don’t think of me as gone Verge Gallery, Sydney. Authentic Determination Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery, Cruthers Collection of Women’s Art, WA. Endurance, National Art School / Art Month Sydney, Major Tender Contemporary Art Centre S.A. Declaration of Love Firstdraft Sydney, Soapbox Performance Space Sydney, This Love is Huge Campbelltown Arts Centre Sydney, Work Out Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney.
Grants and Prizes include; Finalist in NSW Visual Arts Emerging Fellowship 2018, NAVA NSW Artist Grant 2016 and Australia Council For The Arts, New Work Grant, Emerging 2015.
Her work has appeared in publications that include; Art Collector Magazine, Runway Magazine and Das Platforms.