Bunjil Place, 2022
[New Ground Comission 2022]
Portraits of artists in the South East is a series of paintings as part of the inaugural New Ground commission program. The series captures the portrait of four artists who are from the south east and are active in supporting their community. Each artist specialises in different art forms from wearable art to photography, dance, music, and painting.
Portraits were developed through a consultation and documentation process with each artist. Paintings attempt to show the layered identities of each artist, encompassing some of their stories, inspirations, creative spaces, and approaches to making their own form of art.
Dee Wong
“We have worked alongside Connection Arts Space and Our Beat to curate events for the street dance community. Our aim is to create an environment that is educational and queer friendly for the Southeast dance and freestyle community. started dancing to hip hop in high school back in the 90’s. When I say dancing I really mean watching VHS tapes of the American Music Awards and copying the moves with my friends in the living room. I then discovered House dance in 2013. House dance is a freestyle dance that originated in the late 70’s and early 80’s from the underground clubs of Chicago and New York. The style is influenced by tap, African dance, Latin dance and Caperoeira, just to name a few. House is about freedom and feeling the music.”
@deeninja88
Mr. Congo
Mr. Congo is a poet/artist and DJ, his eclectic style of music and art fuses history and culture. His sound is a mixture of old blues and jazz with a modern hip-hop twist. Congo’s influences musically are Prince, Thelonius Monk, Miles Davis, Outkast, and multi-genre styles. All different sounds, but difference is what separates him from the rest. Mr. Congo has worked privately for the last few years and is secretive and selective about the gigs he performs at. He has Dj’d and MC’d for local and international acts including Usher OMG 2011 tour and Tyga at the Palace Theatre. Mr. Congo is local to Melbourne and hopes to expand his repertoire in the fashion and art scene.
@mrcongo80
Zia Atahi
“I’m a professional photographer and a self-taught painter, completing my bachelor degree at Photography Studies College. I’ve exhibited work around Australia in exhibitions including the National Portrait Prize and Bowness Photography Prize.
My interests are in documenting and storytelling. I’m driven by my own journey of being a migrant from Afghanistan and connecting with people from different communities and their stories. Photography is a tool for me to gain a better understanding, share stories and bring communities together. I run photography workshops across Melbourne, particularly with young people in the Casey and Dandenong community. It is an important way for me to share what I’ve learnt and learn from others too. I’ve also volunteered at Connection Arts Space in projects such as ‘Express your Rights’ where I mentored young people through photography. I love working with young people from different backgrounds and seeing them achieve and learn.
In 2016 and 2019 I also ran workshops in Bogor, Indonesia with the local school for refugees in limbo from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. It was a challenging working with limited access materials but a fulfilling experience. It led to new opportunities and exhibitions that recognised all the artists involved and gave them back some agency through art.”
@ziaatahi
@fluidartbyzia
Paulina Zamorano
As a Freelance Graphic Designer and Visual Artist based in Naarm (Melbourne), my creative practice is centered upon my passion for sustainability and community, due to the privilege I hold as a first generation Australian citizen.
Coming from an immigrant background, my Chilean parents have taught me the value of community, sharing resources and creating space for others. This is why I invest my energy and creativity into my community’s growth and flourishing. From volunteering for Connection Arts space to now managing all things marketing, I’ve been able to witness the growth and shared knowledge CAS provides for emerging artists of all genres and practices, where they’re able to gain vital tools to begin their journey in this industry.
Event photos by DWW Photography
Andrew Duong 