Round Island Tour
Run Amok Gallery, George Town, Penang, Malaysia. October 2015.
Round Island Tour is a response to my time in George Town as artist in residence/semi-permanent hotel guest at Hotel Penaga. Feeling a little awkward in this position I was drawn to awkward instances of colour and material I found on my tours around Penang. My practice explores the notion of being in-between places or cultures and in this case it is my role – as tourist, as researcher, as temporary resident – where I am unable to solidify my place, and which I have been researching through photography, objects and painting. Being immersed in the transient hotel environment lead me to research the intricacies of tourist hubs around Penang, the contemporary visitor and their associated experiences.
“Inspired by visiting travellers hubs, eavesdropping in cafes, travelling by motorbike and striking up uncomfortable conversations with deployed Australian soldiers, the works explore the notion of being an independent observer witnessing the often awkward interactions between locals and tourists.” - Nicole Breedon.